This regulatory advice provides guidance on the management of known and unknown medical conditions of drivers and other workers in the heavy vehicle industry.
Who is this advice for?
This regulatory advice provides guidance for:
- parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and their executives.
- heavy vehicle drivers.
Why is this important to my business?
Heavy vehicle driving has been described as one of the ‘unhealthiest’ and ‘deadliest’ jobs in the country.
In the United States of America, the life expectancy of a heavy vehicle driver is from 12.1 to 19.4 years lower than for other professions. While Australian data is still being developed, it is anticipated to demonstrate that the life expectancy is also drastically lower for heavy vehicle drivers in Australia. Heavy vehicle drivers are particularly vulnerable to chronic health conditions and are more likely to experience poor mental health and/or become overweight or obese.
Chronic health issues can adversely impact heavy vehicle drivers’ ability to safely operate a vehicle. For example, heavy vehicle drivers with diabetes have a higher risk of being involved in a crash, and those with sleep apnoea are more likely to experience fatigue and microsleeps.[1]
It is important that parties in the CoR work with heavy vehicle drivers to ensure they are fit to drive by managing known and unknown medical conditions.
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