February 19, 2026
Chain of Responsibility (CoR) plays a critical role in managing fatigue risks across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry. Fatigue is not only a driver issue—it is a shared responsibility that extends across transport operators, schedulers, consignors, and business owners involved in road transport activities.
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), all parties in the supply chain must take reasonable steps to ensure fatigue risks are identified and controlled. This means work schedules, delivery timelines, and operational pressures must be managed in a way that does not encourage unsafe driving behaviours.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator enforces Chain of Responsibility obligations to ensure fatigue is addressed at a system level. Poor planning, unrealistic delivery expectations, and inadequate rest opportunities can all contribute to fatigue breaches—even when drivers attempt to comply.
Fatigue risk management training supports CoR compliance by helping businesses understand how decisions made off the road can directly impact driver safety on the road. When supervisors and managers are trained in fatigue risk management, they are better equipped to recognise hazards, adjust workloads, and support lawful work and rest practices.
Strong Chain of Responsibility systems lead to:
- Better fatigue-aware scheduling and planning
- Reduced legal exposure for transport businesses
- Improved driver wellbeing and retention
- Safer and more sustainable transport operations
Managing fatigue through a CoR lens strengthens accountability across the supply chain. By embedding fatigue awareness into everyday decision-making, transport businesses can meet compliance obligations while improving safety outcomes for everyone involved.
