Our full suite of Q4-themed resources includes Learning Event Bulletins (LEBs) that align with the theme ‘Wellbeing and Work Environment.
While driving on a public road, a Light Vehicle crossed the centre line. A member of the public travelling in the opposite direction swerved and left the road to avoid a collision.
There were no injuries to the Light Vehicle driver and passenger, or to the driver of the third-party vehicle.
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Why Did This Happen?
Driver fatigue was identified as a contributing factor to the Light Vehicle crossing the centre line of the road. The driver had not recognised that they were fatigued.
- The driver experienced different sleep patterns when on shift compared to when they were on a break (off shift) and had inadequate sleep prior to their shift commencing.
- The driver had limited experience driving in remote / rural locations.
- Journey Management Planning requirements did not apply to the trip. It involved short distances and multiple stops to visit work sites. It was not at night. It did not involve a single journey duration of 2 hours or more.
Lessons Learned
- Reduce road exposure by implementing alternate driving options to limit vehicle kilometres travelled (e.g. buses, carpooling and cross-departmental cooperation).
- Install driver fatigue detection and monitoring devices in Light Vehicles.
- Provide education for drivers who have limited experience driving in remote/rural locations. Include practical examples of managing fatigue.
- Encourage passengers to actively monitor the driver and road conditions during the trip. Promote a culture where it is OK for a passenger to alert the driver if they feel that conditions are not safe.
- Use Journey Management Planning for all trips undertaken by inexperienced drivers.
How do HSERs get most value from this Bulletin?
- Print the Bulletin and post it to notice boards.
- Discuss the Learning Event and lessons learned AND use it as a chance to discuss “Could this happen to you?”
- Send your feedback to Safer Together: [email protected].
Frontline workers:
- Actively participate in discussions about this Bulletin.
- Ask your frontline leader to provide the opportunity to discuss the Bulletin and download and discuss it with your work crew.
- Help your frontline leader provide feedback to Safer Together.