Perth truck company fined $20,000 for non-compliance

Holm, trading as Cockburn Transport, was fined in the Fremantle Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to two charges of failing to keep records and three charges of failing to ensure drivers complied with fatigue management requirements.

Cockburn Transport employs drivers to transport freight across Australia on journeys that can take more than two weeks.

In July and August 2008, WorkSafe inspectors investigated the company's fatigue management practices and found it had failed to keep records for trips and ensure drivers observed fatigue management regulations.

Worksafe said the company did not keep records of work time, breaks from driving or non-work time for trips undertaken by two drivers, and did not ensure that drivers observed fatigue management regulations on three occasions.

The company had been convicted of two similar charges and fined $10,000 in June 2007.

Acting WorkSafe WA commissioner Lex McCulloch said it was "disappointing" that some companies still did not comply with laws that had been in place since 1998.

"Fatigue is still a significant occupational safety and health issue in the commercial transport industry, even though transport companies are largely in compliance with the major aspects of WA's fatigue regulations," he said.

"Although we're pleased that the industry appears to be largely complying with the laws, it is worth reminding the industry that the human body has limitations and adequate sleep and rest is essential to safely undertake long-distance driving."

McCulloch said there was "no excuse" for the company's continued failure to comply with the laws.