Frequently Asked Questions (Issue 104)

A new section of Sand & Stone created for communicating to readers; questions being asked by members to the Secretariat.

Who is managing Stack Sites?

The Heavy Vehicle National Law was amended on 1 October 2018, o provide that every party in the heavy vehicle transport supply chain has a duty to ensure the safety of their transport activities.

In recent months, a number of CMPA Members have been requested to supply contractors with details of their procedures for management of ‘VicRoads’ stack sites. CMPA believes that this has been triggered by the changes to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulations Chain of Responsibility (CoR). For more information go to https://www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/chain-of-responsibility/changes-to-cor

However, the quarry owner has no control/authority over the quality of a stack site nor the authority to substitute delivery to a safer stack site. The primary issues with stack sites are, but not limited to, site identification (signage), ‘no go zone’ demarcation, safe entry and exit, obstructions, overhanging trees, visibility, traffic and overhead powerlines.

Historically, the quarry industry has been reluctant to raise this issue for fear of further clauses such as ‘traffic control/management’ overlaying their already complex contracts. The provision of such clauses would be extremely impractical, as delivery to stack sites is generally intermittent.

CMPA has sent letters to VicRoads and all Victorian Councils with the following:

Recommendation

A solution is for VicRoads to actively ensure their provision of more appropriate stack sites/certified stack sites to ensure the safety of operators attending the sites is not jeopardised.

Do my staff require Health Assessments if they only work occasionally at the quarry?

Our industry requires a certain level of fitness and health before commencing work and it is essential that this level is maintained.

Furthermore, owners and managers require a clear and consistent method of ensuring that their operations are not causing illness in their employees.

It is with this in mind that the CMPA has established pre-employment, periodic, exit health assessments and practical functional assessment tests.

To support these assessments, guidance material specifically for the General Practitioner has also been developed. You can purchase these documents from the CMPA website https://cmpavic.asn.au/

To ask a question that could be shared amongst all members in the association please contact the CMPA:

Phone: 03 5781 6055 – Fax: 03 5782 2021 – Email: enquiries@cmpavic.asn.au

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