Overview

Every National Safety Code carrier in Alberta is responsible for ensuring every vehicle and every driver are operating safely and in compliance with transportation safety laws. In some situations, a carrier may need to ask for help from a safety consultant in order to meet regulatory requirements.

When to hire a safety consultant

Carriers may find it helpful to invest in a consultant for:

  • better understanding the transportation safety laws that apply to their company
  • developing and implementing effective safety and maintenance programs
  • addressing significant safety concerns (including rating changes, directions from the Registrar)
  • assistance in monitoring drivers for transportation safety compliance
  • assistance in completing, preparing for, or taking action after a transportation safety audit
  • assistance in establishing a company culture of safety
  • training services (for example: cargo securement, hours of service, trip inspections, etcetera)

Selecting a safety consultant

Selecting a consultant is not always an easy task. When selecting a consultant for assistance, carriers should consider that the consultant:

  • has a good understanding of the company’s needs
  • can help the company establish an administrative system that meets National Safety Code requirements
  • can help the carrier address management control of company vehicles and drivers
  • can teach company employees how to do what needs to be done on their own
  • has the training and experience to do the type of work needed:
    • Do they have any certifications?
    • What are they certified in?
    • Are they knowledgeable of Alberta’s transportation legislation?
  • has the skills to do the tasks needed or has connections to others with the right skills (for example: audits, training services, development of safety and maintenance programs, and more)
  • offers work references that can be checked before hiring
  • is available during the timeframe that the carrier needs to get things done
  • is prepared to travel to meet with company representatives in person
  • is able to offer their services at an agreeable fee
  • is prepared to sign an agreement documenting the fee, services provided, timeframes and more

More information about National Safety Code requirements is available online at: Education manual for commercial carriers.

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