DRIVING HEAVY VEHICLES,
FORKLIFTS AND WORKPLACE EQUIPMENT
As a nation we are very reliant on heavy vehicles for transportation of both people and goods
across the country. There are approximately 400,000 registered trucks and 160,000 professional
drivers in Australia. Any condition that affects a person's physical, cognitive or visual
function may also affect their ability to drive a heavy vehicle.
Heavy vehicle drivers who have a medical condition need to complete a heavy vehicle assessment
to determine if they are fit to drive a heavy vehicle. The driver must meet the national
medical standards, the driving standards and the standards for associated work tasks.
Generally, an assessment in a Class C vehicle is completed first to minimize risk:
- because heavy vehicles do not have dual controls
- because the impact of an accident in heavy vehicles is more significant
When completing a heavy vehicle assessment, the client's ability to complete associated
work tasks needs to be considered. The type of tasks included in the assessment will vary
depending on the class of heavy vehicle being driven. All heavy vehicle drivers need to
demonstrate knowledge and competency in the following skills:
- transferring in and out of the vehicle
- pre-driving checks (e.g. water, hydraulic brake fluid, etc)
- loading and unloading the vehicle
- securing the load using ropes, straps, curtains or dogs and chains
- changing a tyre
Drivers of heavy combination or multi-combination vehicles also need to demonstrate competency
coupling and uncoupling the trailer or truck.
Drivers must demonstrate competency in the following skills in the on-road assessment:
- Observation
- Speed Control
- Vehicle Positioning
- Planning and Judgement
- Vehicle control and reaction time.
To drive forklifts and other workplace equipment clients require the appropriate WorkCover
ticket. The impact of the medical condition or injury on the client's ability to meet the
competency standards needs to be assessed by a driver-trained Occupational Therapist and
qualified work place assessor.
Completing a heavy vehicle assessment facilitates drivers' safety and speedy return to work
following illness or injury.
To make a referral to our services please complete a Referral Form.
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