Zero-base means to work without reference to a base figure or to previous practice. This means that one works according to present needs only, as opposed to a percentage increase or decrease of previous figures or because that is what we have always done.

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How does zero-base apply to HVNL Compliance?

We use this term often with our customers as they are mostly established businesses with standardised processes, systems and practices / routines that have organically grown overtime or simply passed from one person to the next as “the way we do business”.

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When we are helping them with managing their telematics / driver interactions they are not sure where to start. We say “start with your obligations first and the things that you have the most control and influence over”. 

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Our favourite place to start - HVNL Business Practices 

The primary duty obligation of the HVNL requires that each party in the chain of responsibility for a heavy vehicle must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of the party’s transport activities relating to the vehicle. The obligation is limited by the level of control and influence the party has over the activity.

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The HVNL definition of transport activities says that transport activities are - activities, including business practices and decision making, associated with the use of a heavy vehicle on a road.

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The HVNL also defines business practices as:

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business practices, of a person, means the person’s practices in running a business associated with the use of a heavy vehicle on a road, including—

(a)  the operating policies and procedures of the business; and

(b)  the human resource and contract management arrangements of the business; and

(c)  the arrangements for preventing or minimising public risks associated with the person’s practices.

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It is plain to see that a business should have the most control and influence over its own policies and procedures, the way that it employs, trains and supervises employees or engages and manages contractors, as well as the way it manages safety.

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Putting it together

As a party in the chain of responsibility you have to assess the risks associated with your business practices to ensure that they are safe and not likely to cause others in the supply chain to be in breach of their obligations.

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