A decade ago, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) marked a turning point in workplace safety, particularly within the transport and logistics industry. The HSWA was designed to create a stronger culture of accountability and continuous improvement, moving beyond compliance into proactive risk management. Ten years on, the industry has evolved significantly, with heightened awareness, improved systems and a greater emphasis on worker wellbeing. However, challenges remain, and as we reflect on the journey, we must continue to drive progress.

The transport and logistics sector has traditionally been high risk, with workplace injuries, vehicle-related accidents and fatigue management persistent concerns. Since introducing the HSWA, companies have had to take a more structured approach to risk assessment and mitigation. The industry has seen increased health and safety representatives, greater use of technology for compliance tracking and a stronger emphasis on mental wellbeing and physical safety.

A key shift has been the focus on leadership accountability. Under the act, directors and senior management are required to actively engage in safety management, ensuring that it is not just a box-ticking exercise but a fundamental part of operational decision-making. This has led to more transparent reporting, regular safety audits and a cultural shift where employees feel more empowered to speak up about potential hazards.

Despite these improvements, the transport sector has faced significant challenges in implementing and maintaining high safety standards. One of the biggest hurdles has been changing long-standing industry habits. The ‘she’ll be right’ attitude, deeply ingrained in some sector areas, has been difficult to overcome. Smaller operators, in particular, have struggled with the financial and administrative burden of compliance, often lacking dedicated health and safety personnel to manage the required processes.

Fatigue management remains a critical issue. While regulations exist to limit driving hours, ensuring compliance can be difficult, particularly for owner-drivers and contractors who work under commercial pressures. The mental health and wellbeing of drivers have also become a growing concern, with increased awareness but still insufficient support structures in place.

The next 10 years will be very different as companies adopt TruckSafe. It is a structured Safety Management System that goes beyond the minimum legal requirements, ensuring that companies have robust policies, procedures and risk management strategies in place. Independent audits provide an added layer of accountability, giving recognition to businesses that prioritise safety, wellbeing and compliance. By exceeding HSWA standards, TruckSafe will become the model for best practice in the industry, ensuring businesses strive for excellence rather than mere compliance.

On the other hand, while enforcement of HSWA has led to increased compliance, it has not entirely eliminated unsafe practices. Some businesses struggle with implementation due to cost constraints or lack of industry-wide consistency. Additionally, penalties for non-compliance, while necessary, have sometimes created a fear-based approach rather than fostering a culture of genuine safety improvement.

The TruckSafe programme offers independent validation of safety practices, allowing businesses that invest in their people and systems to be recognised. This will enhance their reputation and encourage others to follow suit. Customers and supply chain partners are increasingly prioritising safety credentials when selecting transport providers, reinforcing the idea that safety is a competitive advantage rather than a regulatory burden.

As we move forward, the industry must continue to refine and improve safety strategies. Embracing technology, such as telematics for real-time monitoring and AI-driven fatigue detection, will be key to reducing critical risks. Training, education and ensuring competency must remain top priorities, enabling workers at all levels to understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe workplace.

Furthermore, mental wellbeing must be fully integrated into workplace health and safety frameworks. The past decade has brought increased awareness, but more action is needed to provide practical support for transport workers facing stress, isolation and mental fatigue.

The TruckSafe SMS is available now, so sign up today and start your journey – trucksafe.net.nz

The TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show will host Paul Fellows, chair of TruckSafe Australia. Come along on 7 to 8 March to meet Paul, an operator who understands the challenges of keeping all staff safe at work. He will share his insights at the TruckSafe launch on Friday, 7 March, at 2pm.

Additionally, CiLT, in conjunction with the NZ Trucking Association, will hold a seminar series from 12pm on Friday, 7 March. Presenters from StraitNZ, Foodstuffs, Alliance, LPC and Hilton Haulage will discuss strategies, initiatives and policies that have proven successful under the act’s framework. Register here – https://tinyurl.com/77v373xj