Driver fatigue management applies to all strategies and practices implemented in the transport activity to minimise stress and improve fleet safety. Aspects include compliance with regulations, work-rest schedules, and monitoring systems to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
This blog will provide an overview of the NHVR checklist, course of action, and driver fatigue management plan that fleet managers and supervisors will find helpful. Please read the blog below to learn more about the practices and what they entail.
How does a Driver Fatigue Management Plan help in Fleet Operations?
A Driver Fatigue Management Plan enhances fleet operations through high-end technologies such as Fatigue and Distraction Detection Technology (FDDT). This technology monitors drivers in real-time and alerts them and fleet managers about fatigue-related risks while improving road safety and operational effectiveness.
Another primary benefit of regulatory compliance is a well-articulated strategy. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator provides guidelines and forms for compliance within fleets, delivering a more efficient operational system free from penalties. In addition, the NHVR makes fatigue management possible and reduces the administrative active burden placed on fleet operators.
Moreover, fleet drivers can easily keep an Electronic Work Diary (EWD) and, as a result, save on paperwork and time. Incorporating a fully-fledged fatigue management plan into fleets can thereby improve productivity while reducing risk and encouraging a safer working environment for drivers.
Pre Shift Forms from Driver Fatigue Management Template
Two primary forms from the driver fatigue management template are necessary to fill up before starting your shift. Those are as follows;
Pre Start Fit-for-Duty Form via Driver Fatigue Management Plan
Fleet drivers must complete the Pre-Start Fit-for-Duty checklist before starting their routine work and sign off after the shift. They will be fined under the Work Health and Safety Act (2011) if they do not.
Required Details for Driver Fatigue Management Plan
- Self-assessment of the driver’s physical and mental readiness
- Confirmation of adequate rest and absence of impairing factors (e.g., alcohol, drugs, illness)
- Signature from the driver to verify their fitness for duty
FDDT Installation Checklist
An installation checklist for FDDT (fatigue and Distraction Detection Technology) is an organised guideline for appropriate installation, setup, calibration, and testing of fatigue and distraction monitoring systems.
Typically, the list consists of steps for inspecting all components, validating the system integration, performing calibration procedures, and executing functionality checks for accuracy and reliability. It is a perfect instrument for organisations wanting to use it for an advanced road safety initiative and to keep up with mandatory laws.
Details Required for FDDT Installation Checklist:
- System calibration and functionality check.
- Driver training on FDDT.
- Communication details checklist
- Administration checklist
- Quality Assurance confirmation
Following a thorough checklist for installing FDDT helps fleet managers reduce the risk of accidents and improve the entire fleet’s operational efficiency.
When Does the System Respond to a Detected Fatigue Event?
The NHVR recommends this course of action if a fatigue event is detected. The process begins when an alert is received, which could be triggered by a distraction or fatigue event.
A fleet supervisor could be present or absent, depending on which recommendable drivers to act accordingly.
It is also important to note that if the driver feels unable to continue driving safely at any point, they must stop driving immediately and rest. These measures are just precautionary, and more than anything, the driver’s judgement is decisive.
When Happens When The Supervisor is Present?
- Distraction Event: The event is on the record, and the supervisor calls the driver. Discuss appropriate driving behaviour and implement the company distraction procedure.
Driver Management Fatigue Event: First
Alert 1: A risk assessment is active. The supervisor monitors the footage and calls the driver if needed.
Depending on the assessment, the response can be:
- Low Risk: Monitor Driver.
- Moderate Risk: Ask the driver to take a 15-minute break and implement low-level actions.
- High Risk: Ask the driver to take a 30-minute break, including a nap opportunity, and implement moderate actions.
- Extreme Risk: Order the driver to stop driving right away when it is safe.
Subsequent Alerts
Alert 2: The driver receives another call notification
Another call is made to the driver
- If the risk is high, ask the driver to take a 30-minute break and implement moderate actions.
- If the risk is extreme, order the driver to stop driving immediately when safe.
Alert 3: Call the driver, ask them to stop, and alert them when they are safe.
What Happens When the Supervisor is Absent?
- Distraction Event: The event is on the record, and causal factors are well-known.
Driver Fatigue Management Event: Second
Alert 1: The driver himself does the risk assessment.
Depending on the assessment, the response can be:
- Low Risk: Record instantly after receiving the alert.
- Moderate Risk: Take a 15-minute break and implement low-level actions.
- High Risk: Take a 30-minute break, including a nap opportunity, and implement moderate actions.
- Extreme Risk: Stop driving if it is necessary and alert when feeling safe to do so.
Subsequent Alerts:
Alert 2: Another risk assessment is successful to run.
- If the risk is high, take a 30-minute break and implement moderate actions.
- If the risk is extreme, stop driving immediately when safe.
Alert 3:
- If a third alert is received, the driver will stop driving until it is safe.
- In addition to this course of action, supervisors need to complete several forms for compliance purposes.
Post-Event Driver Fatigue Management Plan Template
A template for Post-Event Driver Fatigue Management Plans, it organises driver fatigue occurrence management effectively. This template covers guidelines for evaluating fatigue-related events, identifying associated causes, and corrective actions for non-occurrence in future events.
It would ensure compliance with the regulations and make the roads safer through reactive and proactive approaches like education of the driver concern, schedule changes, and vehicle monitoring.
Using this template, fleet managers thoroughly examine incidents, evaluate their impact, and ensure the provision of necessary assistance to the driver. They then create a more secure and efficient operation-critical environment with fewer risks from driver fatigue.
Fatigue Risk Assessment Form
This form assesses fatigue risk following a specific event and documents actions to mitigate future risks. NHVR has provided three sample Fatigue Risk Assessment forms in the FDDT good practice guideline, each serving its purpose.
Here are the details that these risk assessment forms require:
- Event description and timing
- Assessment of fatigue risk factors
- Actions taken immediately after the event
- Post-event review to evaluate effectiveness and determine further measures
- Driver’s recent sleep history
- Duration and intensity of the current work period
- Environmental and work-related factors contributing to fatigue
- Immediate actions taken to manage identified dangers
- Monitoring fleet breaks, rest time, and changes to the entire work schedule
Standard Operating Procedures Form
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) forms provide the individuality and uniformity of procedures for particular events in the organisation, such as fatigue and distraction alarms. Fleet drivers or operators effectively maintain the chain of responsibility as the action and role are clearly defined.
Details Required for Standard Operating Procedures Form:
- Step-by-step response actions for different levels of fatigue alerts
- Documentation of the actions taken and decisions made
- Procedures for escalating issues and reporting fatigue incidents
Driver Fatigue and Distraction Discussion Forms
This document records discussions with drivers about distraction and fatigue-related incidents. This form, a questionnaire, contains a series of questions—asked by the supervisor—that the driver needs to answer for the record.
Fatigue Incident Report Form
Checklist form aims to report and analyse incidents where fatigue was a contributing factor.
Details Required:
- Complete narration regarding time, place, and nature of fatigue
- Contributing factors and circumstances leading to the incident
- The fleet manager took immediate action and follow-ups to prevent the recurrence
Using Technology for Driver Fatigue Management
Fleet drivers must remember that NHVR sample forms are advisory and not mandatory templates. They serve only as frameworks and guidelines for ensuring audit compliance. Completing these forms by hand may carry too high overheads for most industry applications, thus making them very unlikely to be adopted.
On the contrary, Manage Vehicle fatigue and distraction detection tools streamline the process, reducing the hassle of paperwork and helping you maintain compliance effortlessly. The fleet operator will do the paperwork at a reduced cost and with fewer human resources. What’s more, it’s easier to show this information during audits.
With our Transport Management Software, compliance reporting is much easier. You only need to tap and type after receiving all the information on your phone. Our Driver Fatigue Management software has helped our clients, previously fined for noncompliance, report up to 99% success rates in their audits.
To learn more about how you can leverage Manage Vehicle software for compliance reporting with FDDT, contact us at [email protected].
