News

The 31st TRANSAFE WA Road Transport Industry Safety Forum, held in Kalgoorlie, brought together industry leaders, government representatives, safety advocates and community members to address key challenges and opportunities in road transport safety.

This event was proudly sponsored by MTData & Nationwide Training.

The day began with a warm welcome from TRANSAFE WA Chairperson, Niomi Hurley, who also doubled as our MC for the day- followed by a presentation on High Threat Season Preparedness from Ben Doman and Ainslee McAlinden of Main Roads WA this presentation emphasised key safety measures and strategies aimed at mitigating risks during high-threat periods, such as extreme weather conditions and heightened road hazards as we head into the warmer months.

View the Presentation: Main Roads WA – High Threat Season Preparedness.

View the Presentation: Main Roads WA – National Roadworthiness Survey

We were fortunate to have Sergeant Dave Christ from the WA Police Force, deliver a regional update for Goldfields-Esperance and highlight some of their key objectives. The police have been focusing on high visibility patrols, increased traffic enforcement, and multi-agency collaboration to prevent further accidents. He stressed the importance of increased community awareness and involvement to reduce road trauma​.

A standout session was the MTData Q&A, where James Burton and Mark Rodrigues introduced their innovative new product, the 7000AI. This advanced telematics solution leverages artificial intelligence to enhance fleet management, improve safety outcomes, and streamline operations. Attendees actively engaged in the session, exploring its potential impact on the industry.

View the presentation: WA Police Force – Goldfields-Esperance Update

View the presentation: MTData

Other highlights included:

• Main Roads WA National Roadworthiness Survey: Larry Taya’s presentation emphasised the importance of such surveys and how they provide vital insights into maintaining the integrity of Australia’s transport network, protecting road users, and supporting the heavy vehicle industry.

• Road Trauma with St Johns: Paul Munro provided a practical and engaging overview of the basics of being first on the scene at an incident, underscoring the importance of maintaining and brushing up on first aid skills to save lives in critical moments.
• Nationwide Training: Gavin Trim delivered an in-depth exploration of WA’s Chain of Responsibility (CoR) regulations, focusing on how businesses and individuals in the transport industry share a collective responsibility for road safety. He provided practical advice on how companies can better manage compliance, ensure safety throughout the entire supply chain, and avoid penalties.

View the presentation: Nationwide Training – WA Chain of Responsibility Session

Special topics covered significant safety challenges:

• Drug Deterrence Strategy in the Workplace: Nick Fox from Alcolizer Technology highlighted effective strategies for managing alcohol and drug use in the transport sector. His session emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe workplace through technology that supports rapid, reliable testing, promoting a safer, more responsible industry.
• Heavy Vehicle Fire Management: Darren Hennessy from QUITFIRE showcased his innovative Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) offering a game-changing approach to managing fires in heavy vehicles and transport settings. This system provides enhanced fire containment and rapid response, further improving safety measures for the industry.
• The Train and Heavy Vehicle Interactions video from AURIZON provided a powerful reminder of the complexities and dangers involved in shared rail and road operations.
• The ANE Tanker Explosion video from DEMIRS reinforced the importance of rigorous safety protocols in preventing catastrophic incidents.

View the presentation: Alcolizer Technology – Drug Deterrence Strategy in the Workplace.

View the video: OUITFIRE – Tyre Fire Demonstration

Networking breaks throughout the forum facilitated knowledge sharing and collaboration, with attendees exchanging ideas and strategies to enhance safety across the sector.

Rob Sharpe, provided an update on what TRANSAFE WA has been up to throughout the year and what is instore for 2025. He concluded the day by thanking all of TRANSAFE WA’s sponsors and the participants who joined us here in Kalgoorlie for the 31^st Safety Forum, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, and shared responsibility in achieving safer roads for all.

A special thank you to MTData and Nationwide Training for their generous sponsorship, which made this event possible. Their ongoing support is invaluable to advancing safety within the road transport industry.

Finally, a sincere thank you to all attendees for their active participation, insights, and dedication to improving road safety. Your engagement and commitment are what drive meaningful change and ensure these forums continue to make a positive impact.