Drive Smart, Drive Safe: Fatigue Management at Morrows Logistics
At Morrows Logistics, we prioritise our drivers' health, safety, and wellbeing. Our accredited Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) program is a testament to this commitment.
By encouraging responsibility and safety through fatigue management awareness, we encourage heavy vehicle operators to take more responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of drivers and other road users. The BFM benefits the community and facilitates more consistent compliance with road safety standards.
Setting the Standard for Safety
Graeme Holt, Business Systems Analyst at Morrows, explains, "The purpose of adopting the BFM program at Morrows (underpinned by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) scheme) allows our drivers to extend their driving hours from 12 to 14 hours in a 24 hour period".
"This added flexibility ensures our drivers can complete their runs without the stress of overrunning compliance, especially when delays occur. More importantly, it ensures their safety, health and wellbeing is looked after," said Graeme.
As per the Fatigue Management Accreditation Guide, "Fatigue knowledge and awareness are essential to ensure all persons (including managers) who are involved in the Fatigue Management System understand fatigue management issues and have the knowledge and skills to practice fatigue management and to comply with the operator's Fatigue Management System."
While the "performance standards were developed to ensure that everyone in the scheme has achieved the same standard of compliance."
The Path to Accreditation
To gain BFM accreditation, drivers must complete a comprehensive process. "Every driver must undertake the BFM course, receive their individual accreditation, and afterwards, complete an induction at Morrows," said Graeme. This external course, followed by our in-house induction, ensures drivers are well-prepared to operate safely and efficiently.
Staying Healthy and Compliant
Health is a crucial aspect of the BFM program. "Drivers are required to have regular medicals, with the frequency dependent on their age," said Graeme.
The regulations stipulate drivers under 50 must complete a medical every three years, while those over 50 must do so annually. This ensures that all drivers remain fit and capable of handling the demands of long-haul driving.
Rigorous Compliance and Auditing
Morrows Logistics maintains strict compliance by auditing work diaries daily. "We audit every work diary, cross-checking entries with our GPS tracking system to ensure accuracy," said Graeme.
This thorough process includes logging breaks through the GPS and matching electronic diaries with physical ones. Any breaches result in a non-conforming report, followed by counselling to prevent recurrence.
Continuous Improvement and Reporting
Our commitment to compliance extends to regular reporting. "Every three months, we conduct a quarterly internal report covering any breaches and overall compliance," said Graeme.
"Additionally, an annual internal report reviews records to ensure all drivers are current and compliant. External audits every two years further verify the effectiveness of our management and compliance efforts," said Graeme.
By investing in BFM accreditation and rigorous auditing processes, Morrows Logistics enhances driver safety and operational efficiency, setting a high standard within the industry.
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Pictured: Morrows Logistics Managing Director, David Morrow welcoming one of the newest Scania trucks the P Cab 460hp Super.