Chain of Responsibility Desktop Audits

BACKGROUND

The Chain of Responsibility (CoR) aims to ensure that every party involved in the supply chain shares both equal and joint responsibility for the safe execution of transport activities. Its purpose is to prevent breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), whether those breaches occur through direct actions or omissions. Under CoR legislation, any individual or entity that exercises, or has the ability to exercise, direct or indirect control or influence over any transport activity is considered part of the CoR. This inclusion means that all such parties have a duty to guarantee safety and maintain compliance with the HVNL.

Furthermore, CoR laws extend accountability to corporate entities, boards, directors, partners, and managers for the actions and inactions of the businesses and individuals under their control. This collective responsibility is what defines the Chain of Responsibility within the HVNL framework.



Another key objective of CoR is to prevent any party from gaining an unfair commercial advantage by operating outside the boundaries of relevant laws, such as by avoiding the time and cost required for proper compliance. The HVNL acknowledges that responsibility for offences committed along the supply chain may rest with multiple parties—not just heavy vehicle drivers and operators. In fact, an individual may have responsibilities in the chain in more than one capacity.

SCOPE OF WORKS

Conduct a Chain of Responsibility Independent Audit/Review of the company Transport Safety Management System documentation for management of transport safety including Chain of Responsibility (CoR) provision under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

METHODOLOGY