Latest news with #TruckSafeNewZealand
Scoop
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
TruckSafe New Zealand Supports AFMS
Press Release – TruckSafe New Zealand The AFMS is a flexible risk-based system that allows transport businesses to vary driver work and rest times beyond standard legal limits, but only where robust fatigue management systems are in place and approved by the regulator. TruckSafe New Zealand, the industry-designed and independently audited safety management system, is now supporting transport operators nationwide in preparing for and achieving approval under the Alternative Fatigue Management Scheme (AFMS) framework set out by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. The AFMS is a flexible risk-based system that allows transport businesses to vary driver work and rest times beyond standard legal limits, but only where robust fatigue management systems are in place and approved by the regulator. TruckSafe New Zealand provides operators with exactly that: a comprehensive, fit-for-purpose safety management structure that aligns with the AFMS performance standards. 'TruckSafe is uniquely positioned to help operators meet the rigorous expectations of AFMS,' says Carol McGeady, Director of TruckSafe New Zealand. 'It provides the documented policies, procedures, training frameworks, and internal review systems that the Transport Agency requires for AFMS approval. It takes the guesswork out of compliance.' TruckSafe New Zealand has been developed by industry, for industry, and covers key areas critical to fatigue management, including driver fitness for duty, safe scheduling and rostering, training and supervision, and vehicle safety. Through independent auditing and structured documentation, TruckSafe gives operators the confidence to demonstrate compliance with both the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Land Transport Act 1998. Benefits of TruckSafe-aligned AFMS readiness include: Clear fatigue prevention policies and responsibilities Proven systems for monitoring driver work/rest time Driver consultation and engagement processes Documented countermeasures for flexible operating limits Independent verification through external audit TruckSafe also provides tools and guidance to help operators plan effective rest strategies, document countermeasures, and gather the evidence needed to submit a strong AFMS application. For operators that subcontract or work with contractors, TruckSafe's structure supports Joint Management provisions ensuring wider compliance across the transport supply chain. 'We know that setting up an AFMS can seem complex and time-consuming, but TruckSafe makes it manageable,' said Carol McGeady (TruckSafe New Zealand Director) 'It's a proactive step that enhances operational flexibility and positions businesses as leaders in safety and compliance.' With AFMS approval increasingly recognised as a mark of excellence in fatigue management, and likely to feature in future procurement and tender requirements operators who act now will be better placed to win contracts, retain good drivers, and reduce fatigue-related incidents.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
100% Tōtika Rating For TruckSafe Certified Companies
Tōtika, New Zealand's pan-industry health and safety prequalification cross-recognition scheme, has formally reviewed and confirmed that the TruckSafe New Zealand certification programme meets Tōtika's requirements for health and safety assurance. As a result, TruckSafe has been officially registered as a cross-recognised audit and certification scheme under Tōtika. This means that any business certified through TruckSafe will receive a 100% Tōtika rating score, exempting them from the need to undertake a separate prequalification process. About TruckSafe New Zealand Imagine that the NZ Transport industry where every business – no matter the size – is working from the same health, safety, and well-being framework. One that ensures every worker goes home safely at the end of each day, and where continual improvement becomes the standard, not the exception. That's the vision of TruckSafe New Zealand, and we're excited to share that TruckSafe is now live and ready for you to access. Unlike a government-run programme, TruckSafe is owned by the industry, for the industry. Operated under the charitable trust Transport Well, it empowers operators with a practical, future-focused Safety Management System (SMS) tailored specifically to the New Zealand transport and logistics sector.
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
TruckSafe New Zealand Launches: A Game-Changer For Heavy Vehicle Safety And Compliance
Press Release – NZ Trucking Association Backed by decades of proven success across the Tasman, TruckSafe is now available to all operators, including single vehicle owner-drivers (SVODs) – making it more inclusive and accessible than any previous safety programme of its kind. A major step forward in heavy vehicle safety and professionalism has arrived with the official launch of TruckSafe New Zealand, a Safety Management System (SMS) designed to lift standards across the entire transport and logistics sector. TruckSafe now invites heavy vehicle operators – of all sizes and across all sectors – to join the TruckSafe programme and work towards formal certification. A Proven System Delivering Measurable Results Based on the successful TruckSafe programme in Australia, which has been improving industry safety for over 27 years, TruckSafe New Zealand provides a structured framework to help operators minimise risks, lower crash rates, and reduce costs. Studies show that TruckSafe-certified operators experience significantly fewer crashes and insurance claims – delivering both safety and financial benefits. In fact, Australian research found a 57% reduction in claims in the two years following TruckSafe certification, thanks to the adoption of stronger management structures and proactive safety practices. Backed by decades of proven success across the Tasman, TruckSafe is now available to all operators, including single vehicle owner-drivers (SVODs) – making it more inclusive and accessible than any previous safety programme of its kind. To ensure the integrity and consistency of the certification process, TruckSafe New Zealand audits are conducted by independent experts from Avid Plus, using Audit Compliance Solutions technology. With years of experience auditing Government programmes and ACC's Fleet Saver, Avid Plus are the most qualified auditing partner for the job, providing professional, evidence-based assessments to support continuous improvement. 'TruckSafe arrives at a critical time for New Zealand's transport industry,' said David Boyce, CEO of the NZ Trucking Association and TruckSafe New Zealand Director. 'With ACC's Fleet Saver programme no longer available to new applicants, and growing pressure on operators to improve critical risk management, TruckSafe fills a much-needed gap – offering practical, scalable tools that help operators of any size demonstrate compliance and improve their workplace safety.' A Sector in Urgent Need of Change With over 343 fatal crashes and more than 2,600 injury crashes involving trucks between 2018 – 2022, the stakes for New Zealand's road freight industry are high. The Ministry of Transport estimates the social cost of these crashes exceeds $2.26 billion, while WorkSafe and ACC data show a growing toll on the workforce and the economy. Recent regulatory shifts, including increased focus on PCBU responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, and the introduction of the Worker Protection Act 2023, signal a stronger enforcement approach, especially toward senior executives.
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
TruckSafe New Zealand Launches: A Game-Changer For Heavy Vehicle Safety And Compliance
A major step forward in heavy vehicle safety and professionalism has arrived with the official launch of TruckSafe New Zealand, a Safety Management System (SMS) designed to lift standards across the entire transport and logistics sector. TruckSafe now invites heavy vehicle operators - of all sizes and across all sectors - to join the TruckSafe programme and work towards formal certification. A Proven System Delivering Measurable Results Based on the successful TruckSafe programme in Australia, which has been improving industry safety for over 27 years, TruckSafe New Zealand provides a structured framework to help operators minimise risks, lower crash rates, and reduce costs. Studies show that TruckSafe-certified operators experience significantly fewer crashes and insurance claims - delivering both safety and financial benefits. In fact, Australian research found a 57% reduction in claims in the two years following TruckSafe certification, thanks to the adoption of stronger management structures and proactive safety practices. Backed by decades of proven success across the Tasman, TruckSafe is now available to all operators, including single vehicle owner-drivers (SVODs) - making it more inclusive and accessible than any previous safety programme of its kind. To ensure the integrity and consistency of the certification process, TruckSafe New Zealand audits are conducted by independent experts from Avid Plus, using Audit Compliance Solutions technology. With years of experience auditing Government programmes and ACC's Fleet Saver, Avid Plus are the most qualified auditing partner for the job, providing professional, evidence-based assessments to support continuous improvement. 'TruckSafe arrives at a critical time for New Zealand's transport industry,' said David Boyce, CEO of the NZ Trucking Association and TruckSafe New Zealand Director. 'With ACC's Fleet Saver programme no longer available to new applicants, and growing pressure on operators to improve critical risk management, TruckSafe fills a much-needed gap - offering practical, scalable tools that help operators of any size demonstrate compliance and improve their workplace safety.' A Sector in Urgent Need of Change With over 343 fatal crashes and more than 2,600 injury crashes involving trucks between 2018 - 2022, the stakes for New Zealand's road freight industry are high. The Ministry of Transport estimates the social cost of these crashes exceeds $2.26 billion, while WorkSafe and ACC data show a growing toll on the workforce and the economy. Recent regulatory shifts, including increased focus on PCBU responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, and the introduction of the Worker Protection Act 2023, signal a stronger enforcement approach, especially toward senior executives.
