The Western Australian Compliance & Enforcement Bill (Chain of Responsibility), will be bought into full effect in less than four months. Whilst CoR legislation was first introduced in WA 2008, the legislation has now been passed and regulations, including fines and enforcement will come into effect March 2014.
Chain of Responsibility (CoR) legislation is set to be a major legislative and regulatory change, whose reforms to transport and road safety will no doubt have a major impact to how business is conducted by transport companies across the state.
WA officials expect that CoR will improve road safety, logistics practices and well as be an overall improvement to the transport industry and its reputation.
Whilst CoR legislation has now been rolled out in most Australian States and territories it is currently only being applied to commercial vehicles over 4.5 tonnes in all other states and territories. WA stands out as the front runner in its application of CoR as it is includes all commercial vehicles; meaning any commercial vehicle, from a standard courier sedan, through to a road train. What also must be taken into account with CoR is that it applies to both inbound and outbound products, where a company has control of what is leaving and arriving at their site.
CoR breaches carry heavy fines and prosecutions, including personal fines and community service orders for executives of the companies. Authorised officers also have the inspection and investigative powers to stop and ground vehicles, enter premises and seize documents and more.
Mike Wood Managing Director of Latus said today -“CoR is no different to any other OH&S issues, but focuses on road accidents involving commercial vehicles. CoR is a method that extends occupational health and safety beyond the walls of the business.”
“Anyone working in transport can no longer afford to be ignorant of CoR, put simply anyone who works in transport can now be held accountable for any actions or inactions in the case of a breach”.
For the 100’s of attendees that were lucky enough to attend information sessions held across WA by Main Roads Western Australia, the Department of Transport and presented by Latus in September of this year, were introduced to the concepts of CoR and how it will need to incorporated into their daily business practices, as well as policies and procedures.
CoR brings with it a need to meet and comply with the law, business who do not comply face prosecution and fines and possibly worst of all irrevocable damage to their reputation.
Want to know more? Whatever state you live in, Latus can help, click here: www.latus.edu.au and contact us today.
Mike Wood
Mike Wood, Managing Director – LATUS: Logistic Risk Specialists Mike Wood is the recognised Australian Specialist on Chain of Responsibility Legislation and its Impacts upon the Logistic Industry. Since 2003, Mike has been heavily involved in Chain of Responsibility (known as Compliance and Enforcement in Western Australia). Mike is frequently interviewed or comment sort by Australian Media outlets, as well as providing expert witness testimony in legal proceedings. Most recently engaged by the Western Australian Government to help educate WA businesses on the new Compliance and Enforcement legislation and its impacts on them. Mike regularly advises Governments and Business across South East Asia and Australia on Logistic Issues, and was particularly involved in the Chain of Responsibility legislation, and codes of practice. Mike’s expertise extends to multiple facets of the Supply Chain, having undertaken projects such as, Integrated Logistic Chain Design, Australian Disaster Management Response Logistics, Coal Chain designs, Port operation & infrastructure, Logging Operation design, Sugar production, livestock movements, logging etc.
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