64 | Innovative fatigue The next step in this trial is to put it out to other transport operators and Chris says as well as livestock, it has relevance for logging and fuel transport too. Kelly Deeks Hunterville livestock carrier CR Grace has been applauded for its outstanding contribution to innovation in the road transport industry, with its trialing of an innovative fatigue management approach winning the company the Fruehauf Outstanding Contribution to Innovation award at the 2023 Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Industry Awards. CR Grace shared the award with the other trial participants, Martinborough Transport and Stephenson Transport. CR Grace logistics manager Chris Wood says the trial came about after NZTA audits found a common non-compliance with work-time rules in the livestock transport industry. CR Grace, Martinborough Transport, and Stephenson Transport’s audits showed all three companies were lacking on half-hour break requirements, with correct animal welfare procedures making it impossible for the livestock transporters to comply. “The general belief of major stakeholders in the industry is the work-time rule doesn’t manage fatigue” Chris says. “When it was mandated in the 1970s, it wasn’t brought in to manage fatigue, it was brought in to slow down the trucks which had been given free reign of the country since the deregulation of rail. NZTA agreed the work-time rule doesn’t work,and asked us to come up with something better.” For the first time in 50 years, a group of livestock transport operators has been allowed instrumental input in the change of work-time regulation, and Chris says it’s a game-changer. Now, instead of having to take 30 minute breaks, which could be fatal for a spring lamb on the side of the road on a 30ºC day, livestock drivers can now take six 10 minute breaks, the perfect opportunity to let the dog out, have a stretch, and check the load before being good to go for another four hours. RURAL SERVICES » CR Grace The drivers’ work day has also been allowed to extend from 13 hours to 15. CR Grace, Martinborough Transport, and Stephenson Transport worked with fatigue management specialist Fit for Duty managing director Rachel Lehen to develop a fatigue management plan and NZTA gave permission for the three companies to trial it. The drivers from all three companies have conducted 1000s of cognitive alertness tests with AlertMeter which measures cognitive impairment derived from fatigue, illness, intoxication, stress, dehydration, or any other factor. “We’re using scientific technology to manage fatigue.” The trial included up to 50 trucks which were all GPS monitored, and their drivers operated electronic log books to allow for a smooth auditing process. Trial results highlighted the need for drivers’ overall wellbeing to be managed, as it was rarely only work making them fatigued. Medical and emotional issues played a part, as did problems with pain and trouble at home. “That has been a massive thing for this company and for Martinborough Transport and Stephenson Transport as well,” Chris says. “This trial has made fatigue management something to talk about. In the past, a driver could be mocked for saying he was fatigued. This trial has helped to make it a real thing.” The trial is a huge step forward in changing work-time legislation and the industry looks forward to a future transport minister being supportive of the cause and focused on a better way forward. Unfortunately David Parker didn’t attend the 2023 Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Industry Awards, one of the industry’s most important events of the year, so he may still be in the dark about the outstanding innovations happening in his industry. The next step in this trial is to put it out to other transport operators and Chris says as well as livestock, it has relevance for logging and fuel transport too, where half-hour breaks can also have a detrimental effect on loads. Working closelywith farmers. NewZealand’s farming history is renowned for its excellent quality farmers, livestock and environment. Wework closelywith our farmers to continue this proud heritage. TaylorPrestonoperatesamodernexportmeat processingplant inWellington, employing700 peopleandexporting lamb,mutton, goatsand beef toover 50countriesannually. Proudly supporting CRGrace 04 472 7987 www.taylorpreston.co.nz 131 Centennial Highway, Johnsonville, Wellington Phone 0800 668 342 / 24 Hours FOR ALL YOUR RURAL TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS We provide Livestock, General/Bulk, Logging and Ground Spreading services
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