A vehicle weighing tech company, supported by the Australian Government, have launched a 'National Overload Awareness Campaign' called 'Safe Loads, Safe Roads.’
The campaign's key message is: ‘Know Your Risk, Know Your Load,’ and its aim is to raise awareness in the transport and logistics industries about the risks associated with overloading heavy vehicles.
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), it is illegal to operate a heavy vehicle on the roads if the vehicle or the load does not comply with loading requirements.
Overloaded heavy vehicles risk damaging infrastructure, compromise vehicle handling, increase stopping distances, and heighten the chance of vehicle roll-over.
Employers in the supply chain need to determine the mass of every load, use appropriate vehicles, distribute the load correctly, ensure proper load restraint, and develop loading plans for transport tasks.
By promoting education and awareness, employers can prevent overloading and create a safer and more efficient transportation system for all road users.
The Chain of Responsibility (CoR) law ensures everyone who works with heavy vehicles – from the business that employs a driver to the place where goods are delivered – is accountable for safety.