Chain of Responsibility – WildHorn Transport

Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Policy

Purpose

The Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Policy sets forth Wildhorn Transport’ dedication to adhering to chain of responsibility regulations, ensuring the safety and well-being of all staff, the community, and the environment.

Background

The CoR framework ensures that everyone along the supply chain holds equal accountability for preventing violations of the Heavy Vehicle National Law. According to CoR regulations, if you have the authority or potential to control or impact any transport-related activity, you are considered part of the supply chain. Consequently, you have a duty to ensure compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

Those who influence or control elements of the transport chain are termed ‘parties’ and encompass a range of entities, including but not limited to:

Corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations, or other corporate bodies;
Employers and directors at Wildhorn Transport;
Principal contractors of drivers;
Vehicle operators.
Organizers responsible for scheduling the transport of goods or passengers, as well as those planning for the driver of the vehicle;
Individuals or entities sending or receiving goods for transport;
Personnel involved in loading or unloading goods; or
The loading supervisor responsible for overseeing the loading/unloading process or managing the facility where it takes place.

Scope

This Policy is a fundamental requirement for all transportation operations conducted by Wildhorn Transport.

Objectives

The aim of this Policy is to ensure adherence to the chain of responsibility laws, which include regulations concerning:
Vehicle weight;
Driver rest and alertness;
Speed limits;
Securement of loads; and
Vehicle maintenance and safety standards.

Policy

At Wildhorn Transport, we uphold stringent responsibilities for our team members, partners, and clientele under the Chain of Responsibility laws. Our commitment is to diligently fulfill our duties to our workforce, affiliates, and patrons while ensuring that our operations are conducted with the utmost safety and compliance.

To achieve this, we will:

Rigorously enforce all regulations related to the Chain of Responsibility;
Provide comprehensive training and essential information to all employees; and
Implement documented protocols and systems that address every facet of our operations concerning the Chain of Responsibility.

Operational Measures:

The organization employs a variety of operational measures:

a) Policy Enforcement and Induction:

A thorough induction process is in place for both new employees and contractors, which includes training on safety policies and procedures.

b) Training:

Staff receive regular training to ensure they are aware of the latest safety practices and compliance standards.
Specific training programs are developed to address known risks, with training records stored in MAEZ Academy.

c) Substance Policies:

To ensure workers are ‘fit for work,’ drug and alcohol testing is conducted.
Additionally, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available.

d) Chain of Responsibility Reviews:

Routine internal audits are conducted to confirm the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of the Safety Plan.

Vehicle Mass:

Wildhorn Transport is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure vehicles are loaded in accordance with the vehicle’s legal mass restrictions, including overall, axle, and axle group weight limits. Furthermore, when transporting freight containers, it is imperative that drivers possess a valid Container Weight Declaration.

Driver Fatigue:

Wildhorn Transport is committed to taking every reasonable measure to ensure our drivers remain alert, are in good condition for work, and their schedules are in line with regulations. We emphasize adhering to the mandated work and rest periods. Our responsibility guidelines, procedures, and strategies are outlined in the Wildhorn Transport Fitness for Duty Policy, Scheduling and Rostering Policy, Fatigue Knowledge and Awareness Policy, and Basic Fatigue Management Procedures.

Speed:

Wildhorn Transport is dedicated to ensuring our drivers avoid speeding violations and, where necessary, making sure speed limiters are installed and operational. Comprehensive details of our responsibilities, protocols, and methods are specified in the Wildhorn Transport Speed Policy.

Load Restraint:

Wildhorn Transport is committed to ensuring that all items loaded onto a trailer or truck bed are positioned and secured in a manner that prevents the vehicle from becoming unstable or unsafe. The load must withstand forces of at least:

80% of its weight in the forward direction;
50% of its weight when moving sideways or backward;
20% of its weight vertically.

The Wildhorn Transport Load Restraint Policy outlines specific responsibilities, procedures, and methods for compliance.

Vehicle Roadworthiness:

Wildhorn Transport is responsible for making sure that all vehicles are inspected and maintained according to the original manufacturer’s guidelines. Daily equipment checks must be performed, and any defects must be recorded, reported, and promptly repaired.

Responsibilities:

Senior Management:

The Senior Management team has the duty to allocate roles and resources to support this Policy effectively.

Senior Management, Managers, and Schedulers:

Under this Policy, it is the responsibility of Senior Management, Managers, and Schedulers to ensure:

Work schedules do not compel drivers to surpass legal driving hours or speed limits.
Accurate logs of drivers’ activities, including work and rest periods, are maintained.
Every feasible measure is taken to prevent drivers from speeding, working under fatigue, or violating their work-rest schedules.
Vehicles are kept in roadworthy condition through regular maintenance, and any installed speed limiters function correctly.
Vehicles are not loaded beyond permissible mass or size constraints.
Drivers handling freight containers possess a valid Container Weight Declaration.
Loads are secured and positioned properly using suitable restraint equipment.
Collaboration with contractors and clients is undertaken to reasonably coordinate loading and unloading times.
Vehicles are loaded and unloaded promptly and efficiently.
Protocols are established to handle unforeseen tasks, such as sudden traffic disruptions.
Every employee and contractor receives thorough induction and training on the “Company” policies and procedures concerning the Chain of Responsibility.
Additionally, all personnel and subcontractors comply with the Guidelines and Procedures of Wildhorn Transport.

Compliance Staff:

According to this Policy, Compliance Staff are required to:

Confirm that Wildhorn Transport’ Policies and Procedures adhere to all relevant laws; and
Review Wildhorn Transport operations concerning Chain of Responsibility commitments to verify compliance.

Loaders and Packers:

In line with this Policy, individuals responsible for loading a vehicle must:

Ensure the vehicle does not surpass weight or size limits;
Ensure the load does not push the vehicle over weight restrictions;
Properly position loads to prevent instability or falling off during transit;
Secure (restrain) the load appropriately; and
When goods are packed into a freight container:
- Verify that load documentation is accurate and truthful; and
- Ensure the contents do not exceed the container’s maximum weight or safety

Drivers have a duty to:

Adhere to all the guidelines and protocols set forth by Wildhorn Transport;
Follow all applicable laws regarding fatigue management, including work and rest periods;
Abide by speed regulations;
Optimize rest breaks by resting in quiet, dark, and comfortable environments;
Adapt to situational changes (like delays) and, if feasible, inform your scheduler to apply immediate fatigue management strategies;
Verify that your vehicle remains within lawful mass and size limits;
Securely restrain all loads;
Conduct a daily inspection for each vehicle operated;
Document and report any mechanical issues with the vehicles.

Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Policy

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