Master Code part of 10-year infrastructure plan – McCormack

Speaking at the launch of the Master Code of Practice last week, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Michael McCormack said the Master Code is an important step in providing additional guidance required by heavy vehicle operators to boost safety.

The Federal Government’s $75 billion 10-year infrastructure plan would ensure Australians get home sooner and safer, according to Mr. McCormack, who cited the Master Code as one part of the bigger picture in which the Coalition Government was investing in the future.

“There were 191 fatalities involving heavy vehicles and buses across Australia last financial year and while this number is trending downward, there is much more work to do,” he said.

“The Master Code will provide the guidance and examples to assist supply chain parties and Executive Officers in managing their safety duty and due diligence obligations.”

Development of the new Industry Master Code of Practice resulted from a $433,000 investment through the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, which is supported by the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government.

McCormack said the new initiative will provide clear directions and guidelines for all operators to follow, to improve safety outcomes and help meet their obligations under the national Heavy Vehicle National Law.

“Australia’s heavy vehicle industry is taking a voluntary lead to further boost safety by developing this Master Code which establishes national standards to manage heavy vehicle compliance,” he said.

“The Master Code is the culmination of almost 15 months of work beginning at a workshop attended by 20 industry leaders in August last year.”

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Master Code was comprised of four chapters to identify risks and control measures for key areas of 1) speed 2) fatigue 3) vehicle standards and 4) mass, dimension and loading.

“The code incorporates technical standards and other guidance material such as the load restraint guide and provides examples of risk controls, while making it clear that adopters must develop and adhere to business practices unique to their operations,” Mr. Petroccitto said.