Chain Of Responsibility
The introduction of ‘Chain of Responsibility’ (CoR) provisions into the road transport law will ensure a constant approach to compliance with respect to mass, dimension and load restraint. The fact is, we all need to make sure we understand the CoR when we are advising customers of what our products can do to meet the their needs, as well as comply.
The accountability extends beyond the traditional users, like the driver or operator, to now include persons and companies consigning and receiving the goods.
So what are the objectives of the CoR?
- Improve road safety
- Reduce infrastructure damage
- Improve deterrence and enforcement
- Promote a level playing field for industry
- Improve business efficiency and compliance
In the case of Irvin Bullbars, because we manufacture aluminium tray bodies, tradesman racks, roof racks and other load carrying products, we need to find out the full story from the end user so that we can provide the safest possible product to suit their needs. But it even comes down to ropes and other load restraint devises like ratchet straps, they all need to be endorsed by Australian Standards.
If you are involved in any of the following road transport activities, you are a party in the CoR and may be considered liable in the event of a breach of the road laws.
- Consigning
- Packing
- Loading
- Driving
- Operating/Managing
- Receiving
Put simply, anyone who is involved in the transport chain can be held legally accountable if by action, inaction or demand they cause or contribute to road safety breaches.
Even if you are taking a load of rubbish to the tip, or a farmer moving a few bales of hay in the back of the ute, you must comply.
The issue will now be how many people will buy/use the correct vehicle, load carrying product (ie trade rack or roof rack etc) load restraint device and even attend a load restraint course.
I believe the CoR is everyone’s responsibility, so let’s embrace it, educate our customers and make the roads a safer place.
