The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Fatigue Management Module encourages Heavy Vehicle Operators to take greater responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of drivers, the community and other road users.
Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) offers a more flexible work and rest hours option for operators requiring more on road hours than Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) can offer. This management system requires the operator to demonstrate greater accountability of management practices in monitoring fatigue risks.
AFM is a non-prescriptive approach to work and rest hours. It allows the NHVR to give flexible work and rest arrangements to operators who adopt a risk management approach to managing driver fatigue. In AFM, you propose your own work and rest hours based on your individual needs rather than using the hours stated by Standard Hours or BFM. In order to be granted AFM accreditation, you must demonstrate to the NHVR that you understand the risks these hours can create and must demonstrate that you can and will take steps to off-set these risks.
Requiring this type of management system may be due to constraints that are placed on Worker/Driver scheduling, route limitations or any further impacts including lifestyle factors or personal fatigue requirements. The advantages of having this accreditation within your business may assist in commercial advantages such as the ability to fulfil contractual obligations with further efficiencies or in a more suitable time frame to meet changing route conditions.
The benefits to operators may include:
- More consistent compliance with road safety standards;
- Assisting with administering and control of documents;
- Having more flexibility & hours available to cover new routes
- Being able to complete routes more effectively than your competitors
- Attracting and retaining experienced drivers
- Attaining a higher level of efficiency
- Demonstrating a commitment to safety
- Having Fatigue Risk Management Systems assist with CoR obligations.
- Creating a set of work and rest rules that are easier to understand
- Being able to develop simpler schedules
- Reducing confusion and compliance stress for drivers
- Gaining more control.
- Provide education to Workers/Drivers on FITNESS FOR DUTY;
- Increased customer confidence with fatigue managed Workers/Drivers
- Foster better relationships with regulatory agencies;
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The Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) Module may also assist in the hiring and retention of more experienced Workers/Drivers and remove the complexities of rules and obligations within Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) or Standard Hours.
Your Fatigue Management System must comply with the requirements outlined in the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS): Business Rules and Standards. As an accredited operator, enrolled in Fatigue Management, you will be audited periodically by an independent auditor to ensure that you are continuing to meet the standards of the scheme. If your audit is successful, your accreditation will be renewed. Alternatively, you may be asked to improve your system before renewal of your accreditation.
Accreditation does not exempt you from the law. You may be audited at any time, with your vehicles & Workers/Drivers also subject to on-road checks to ensure conformance to the NHVAS. Fatigue Management Accreditation will ensure you receive preferential treatment from enforcement agencies when checking Worker/Driver records and work/rest times.
The simplification of Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) could also assist in the performance of your business and Workers/Drivers by removing the complexities of compliance.
There are three steps to becoming accredited under Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) accreditation:
- Write a Safety Case
- Document your policies and procedures within your business operation
- Apply for this Accreditation through the NHVR
These processes are something Elite Compliance Consulting can help assist your staff with and help complete for you. Contact us today to determine whether Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) is right for your business operation and have us assist in getting your business accredited.
Click here to enquire about how to enrol in the NHVAS Fatigue Management Module.
