Dangerous work practices put truck drivers at risk - union

Photo / Alan Gibson

The truck drivers' union has blamed dangerous work practices for putting drivers at risk.

The comment comes after yesterday's collision between two logging trucks near Tolaga Bay which killed one driver and left the other seriously injured.

Police have also just launched an annual transtasman safety operation targeting heavy vehicles, focused on fatigue, speed and use of stimulants.

Transport and logistics secretary for FIRST Union, Karl Andersen, said the industry was structured in a way that encouraged unsafe practices.

"Many truck drivers are owner-operators and their margins are constantly squeezed, leading to drivers taking short cuts, running bald tires, breaking driver regulations, and in some cases using stimulants to get through. Fatigue is a very real issue for many drivers.''

Mr Andersen said Australia's road safety law was stronger, and a recent law change had stopped drivers' pay systems from incentivising dangerous practice.

"Last year Australia brought in a new law to try and stamp out remuneration-related incentives for truck drivers to work in an unsafe manner, and ensure that hirers of drivers and participants in the supply chain take responsibility for maintaining the new standards,'' he said.

He said drivers worked long hours, and shouldn't also have to work in an unsafe environment.

"Last year the Government said new laws were not needed. It's time they reconsidered their stance.''