Chain of Responsibility (CoR)

Professionals in the transport and supply chain industry must understand the intricacies of Chain of Responsibility (CoR) compliance under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). CoR legislation casts a wide net, encompassing transport operators and any party involved in the heavy vehicle supply chain. This includes company executives, directors, managers, and consignors or consignees. Non-compliance with CoR requirements can have significant consequences, ranging from substantial fines to potential imprisonment. Our consultancy specialises in providing comprehensive guidance on CoR compliance, ensuring that your organisation and all relevant stakeholders are well-informed and aware of their responsibilities.

The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) outlines a Chain of Responsibility (CoR) framework that assigns various responsibilities to all heavy vehicle supply chain parties. These responsibilities aim to ensure safety and compliance with road transport laws.

The key parties and their respective duties in the CoR under the NHVL include:

Executive Officers:

Company executives, directors, and senior managers play a pivotal role in establishing a culture of safety and compliance within their organisations. Their responsibility includes exercising due diligence to guarantee the implementation of effective safety systems and practices. In the event of any accidents or incidents, they bear a high level of liability, underlining the significance of their role in overseeing safety measures.

Transport Operators:

These are typically companies or individuals responsible for the day-to-day operations of heavy vehicles. Their duties include ensuring the safe operation of vehicles, by managing the known heavy vehicle operation risks: driver fatigue, vehicle standards, speed, mass, dimension, and load restraint, as well as monitoring and addressing any potential breaches of safety regulations.

Consignors and Consignees:

Parties who send and receive goods using heavy vehicles are also part of the CoR. Their responsibilities include providing accurate information to transport operators and ensuring that the loading and unloading of goods do not compromise safety.

Loading Managers:

Those who have influence or control over the loading of goods onto heavy vehicles have a responsibility to ensure that it is done safely and in compliance with the law.

Drivers:

Despite the absence of specific mentions of drivers in the CoR legislation, Drivers bear a primary responsibility to operate vehicles safely and adhere to all road rules and regulations. Additionally, it is imperative that drivers take reasonable measures to prevent safety regulation violations through their actions.

Maintenance Providers:

Organisations tasked with the upkeep of heavy vehicles are obligated to ensure compliance with the manufacturer's standards, encompassing the maintenance of heavy vehicles to always be in a safe condition. Prompt resolution of safety concerns is essential, and comprehensive evidence of service level agreements and completed work should be readily available.

Schedulers and Dispatchers:

Those who plan and coordinate transport activities must ensure that schedules do not encourage or require drivers to breach safety regulations, especially regarding driver fatigue.

The HVNL’s CoR framework holds all these parties accountable for safety and compliance, recognising that the actions of one party can impact the safety of others in the chain. It's crucial for each entity to understand their role and responsibilities to ensure safe and compliant heavy vehicle operations.

At the heart of CoR compliance lies the concept of shared responsibility. By identifying your supply chain partners, having agreed processes and communication strategies allows you to be confident that you are meeting your legal obligations in engaging with compliant third parties.

It is crucial senior management recognise their role in mitigating risks within the supply chain. This entails taking proactive measures to identify, assess, and eliminate risks associated with heavy vehicle operations. Where it is not possible to eliminate risks, there must be risk strategies in place to minimise the risks. Our consultancy can help you navigate these responsibilities effectively, offering simple, tailored solutions that align with your current business operations. We work with clients in the transport and supply chain industry to develop robust CoR compliance strategies, implement necessary policies and procedures, and provide training for staff and subcontractors. By doing so, we not only help protect your organisation from legal repercussions but also enhance overall safety and efficiency.

Non-compliance with CoR regulations can result in dire consequences for both the company and individuals all the way up to the board level. Apart from financial penalties, which can reach 6- and 7- figures, failing to meet CoR requirements can lead to damaged reputations, loss of contracts, and even operational disruption. Senior management must proactively manage their CoR responsibilities to safeguard their business's future, and they must have an active Safety Management System (SMS) to demonstrate this. Our consultancy understands the specifications of the National Heavy Vehicle Law and offers expert guidance to ensure you are well-prepared to meet these obligations. We empower organisations to foster a culture of safety and compliance, mitigating risks and securing their place in the ever-evolving transport and supply chain industry. To find out more about what we can offer your organisation, please contact us.