Safe Driving Procedures For Employees

While operating vehicles, it is required that MWAV employees:

1. Hold a valid drivers licence, appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven, and carry it at all times. A licence issued by the state of Victoria is compulsory.

2. Not put themselves or others at risk.

3. Not engage in angry or violent exchanges with other members of the public, i.e. road rage.

4. Drive in a considerate and safe manner.

5. Use the vehicle and related equipment in a safe and proper manner.

a. Take due care and consideration of other vehicles on the road, pedestrians, and hazards.

b. Factor in weather conditions and drive at a safe speed in wet or otherwise difficult conditions.

c. Be aware of extra stopping distance when truck is carrying goods, and modify driving accordingly.

6. Adhere to MWAV's procedures for specific vehicle manoeuvres:

a. Reversing- All reversing manoeuvres require a second employee outside the truck’s cab providing directions to the driver. The employee providing guidance should:

i. take up a position to the rear and side of the vehicle (not directly behind), or at the front of the vehicle where a position at the rear would be unsafe

ii. ensure they remain visible to the driver at all times whilst the vehicle is moving in reverse gear, ensuring eye contact in the either the side mirrors or by positioning at the front of the vehicle

iii. provide visible and audible instructions to the driver. Visible gestures used should include: pointing left or right, with a straight arm away from the body (not across the torso) in conjunction with a slow circling motion with one hand and forearm, either clockwise or anti-clockwise to direct the driver to turn the steering wheel in the gestured direction. Two hands raised in a parallel motion to indicate straight reversing is required, or an open palm to indicate a halt of motion. Hitting the truck box to instruct the driver to stop can be ineffective (as the body of the box is not connected to the cabin) and should not be used. Further detailed instruction on these directions is given to employees during the training process, and available from management staff

iv. if our driver is working solo, they are required to enlist the customer for guidance during reversing maneuvers, or otherwise park in the nearest legal space they can access travelling forwards

Important note on safety for the staff member providing directions to a reversing vehicle: When providing directions to a reversing vehicle, make sure that you leave a large distance between yourself and the vehicle at all times. You should never be standing within a metre of the truck while providing directions. If the truck is getting to within that range of you, give a visual and vocal instruction to the driver to stop, reposition yourself, and continue the manoeuvre.

b. In the depot - All vehicle manoeuvres in the depot are to take place at no more than 2 km/h (a slow walking pace or slow idle speed with brakes in use). Only one vehicle at a time is permitted to be in motion inside the depot.

c. Vehicle access - The employee driving is required to assess any difficult manoeuvres before undertaking them. They should ensure that the vehicle is not taken into an unsafe area, a situation where there is a risk of injury or property damage, or an area where they are not confident of safely manoeuvring the vehicle out.

7. Comply with all road safety laws, such as speed limits, drug and alcohol prohibitions, mobile phone prohibitions and seat belt use. Be aware of fatigue and its effects:

a. Speed - Drive within the speed limit at all times. You should drive at speeds which are safe for the conditions, recognising that, in some circumstances (such as wet weather or low visibility) this may be below the posted speed limit. When choosing a safe speed, you should consider not only other motor vehicles, but particularly more exposed people, such as motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. You must also adhere to all signed speed limits in car parks, the depot, and all other areas you are required to drive a company vehicle in.

b. Drugs and alcohol - MWAV has a zero tolerance approach for employees under the influence of drugs. Employees are required to comply with MWAV’s Alcohol Breath Testing Policy

c. Mobile phone use - You must not operate a mobile phone while driving a company vehicle. If you need to take a phone call, you must first pull over in a safe place. Office staff understand that you cannot always answer you phone while in traffic, and will send an SMS requesting a return call if there is no answer.

d. Seatbelts and other safety features - Seatbelts must be worn at all times, including by any clients riding with employees. Headrests should be adjusted so that the top of the headrest is level with the top of the seated person’s head. All the newer vehicles have driver and passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Airbags. The SRS Airbag System is designed to supplement the seatbelt system and improve occupant protection in certain type of crashes. Airbags supplement the seat belt and enhance your safety and those of passengers in certain types of collision. Placing any item or body part (legs/feet) on or over the dashboard is not permitted, as they will become a missile if SRS systems deploy.

e. Fatigue management - You must ensure you take breaks from driving when on a long drive, particularly if you notice the warning signs of fatigue (yawning, heavy eyes, blurred vision). If you have a lot of driving to do as part of your workday, ensure that you discuss the driving schedule with your partner and plan accordingly.