Electronic Work Diaries (EWDs) officially launched this week and Toll Group is among Australia’s first fleets to pilot the technology.
Approved in November 2020 by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for use from December 1 2020, EWDs are expected to provide the heavy vehicle industry with an alternative to written work diaries, delivering improved regulatory compliance and better safety outcomes while reducing red tape for both the drivers and operators and providing insightful real-time data.
Toll Group advocates EWDs as a regulatory alternative to written versions and will use Teletrac Navman tech as part of a five-driver pilot program which is due to expand to include 150 drivers by March 2021.
“The arrival of EWDs is a very exciting moment for the industry and our organisation, and we’re thrilled to be one of the first putting rubber to road,” said Toll Group Global Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Richard Turner.
“As an organisation, we are safety obsessed and this switch is another example of our ongoing focus on improving safety for our people and communities by investing in meaningful innovation,” he said.
“We are proud to be one of the first telematics provider to be granted full approval from the regulator to roll out our Electronic Work Diary as an alternative to written work diaries,” said Teletrac Navman Chief Product Officer, Andrew Rossington.
“The solution will empower drivers and fleet operators to manage their own compliance, giving managers peace of mind that their drivers are safe,” he said. “The benefits are there for everyone, better supply chain efficiencies, simple planning tools for drivers and transport operators and better road safety outcomes.”
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Senior Safety and Compliance Officer, Joe Tarzia, said drivers can record their work and rest hours by pressing a button.
“EWDs will enable drivers to spend more time focusing on managing their fatigue, rather than managing the book – which is an important step forward in delivering improved fatigue safety outcomes,” he said. “However, it’s important that drivers ensure they are using an approved EWD, have been issued a unique identification number for EWDs and continue to carry their Written Work Diary for the transition period of at least 28 days.”
In other news, Toll is proud to play its part in providing a diverse and safe work environment.