The trucking industry’s safety record has improved dramatically over the last few years. But there’s still more to do, particularly in addressing the serious injuries that can occur within the depot.
In the first official session at Trucking Australia 2014, 2013 Don Watson Memorial Award winner Simon Skazlic will discuss how his company, K&S Freighters, has worked to improve the safety of its workers right from the moment they start their shift.
Trucking Australia 2014 will be held on Hamilton Island on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June 2014.
Simon Skazlic joined K&S Freighters in 1990 and has held various roles in Administration, Operations, Quality, Fleet & Maintenance. He is now the company’s General Manager, HS&E/Compliance.
He has made major contributions to improving the safety of truck drivers and other personnel by leading an industry committee to develop best practice guidelines to prevent loading and unloading accidents, as well as guidelines to keep drivers and repairers safe at the site of roadside breakdowns.
“In my presentation, I will talk about my experiences in improving health and safety in the workplace,” Mr Skazlic said.
“The transport and storage industry sector has one of the highest accident incidence rates in Australia. But the vast majority – 92 per cent – of the serious non-fatal accidents in our industry are not road accidents.
“It’s important that we continue to work on improving the safety of our workers within our workplaces.”
After his presentation, Mr Skazlic will join an open forum where delegates will share their experiences and develop an updated safety action plan for the industry. The ideas developed in this session will feed into the ATA’s strategic plan, which determines its lobbying, communications and research priorities.
Before the start of the official Trucking Australia 2014 program, delegates can also attend a wide ranging panel discussion with National Transport Commission CEO Paul Retter AM, Heavy Vehicle Charging and Investment Reform Project Director Meena Naidu and the incoming CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Starting at 10am on Friday 6 June, this optional session will discuss the latest industry policy and regulatory developments, and give operators the chance to ask questions about the future of industry regulation. Places at this free session are limited, and can be reserved by registered Trucking Australia 2014 delegates through the online registration portal.
Trucking Australia 2014 will also include the Kenworth Legends Luncheon, a barbecue hosted by BPW Transpec in Hamilton Island’s front street, and the presentation of the 2014 National Trucking Industry Awards at the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner.
Full delegate registration for Trucking Australia 2014 is only $475 (incl GST), and four star accommodation is available at the special event rate of only $270 per night (incl GST).
For more information about Trucking Australia 2014 or to register, go to www.truckingaustralia.com.au.
