Dangerous goods compliance breaches dating back several years have cost logistics provider Mainfreight $88,500.

The New South Wales Land and Environment Court slugged Mainfreight with the fine following a big vehicle compliance operation near Lithgow in November 2011.

The sting was part of a joint Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and NSW Police operation.

EPA officers inspected a truck carrying almost 4 tonnes of dangerous goods from Sydney to Bathurst and Orange, finding a number of non-compliances.

Notices were issued for the presence of incompatible dangerous goods and unrestrained dangerous goods (including 3600 litres of flammable liquids).

The inspectors also noticed a failure to placard the load and a failure to have the necessary personal protection equipment and prescribed fire extinguisher.

The EPA took legal action against three of the involved parties – Mainfreight, the driver and the vehicle’s owner, NJA Transport.

The driver and owner were fined $800 and $10,000 respectively, after convictions in local courts back in 2013.

Mainfreight says it has taken on measures taken to improve dangerous goods procedures since 2011, including:

  • appointment of dangerous goods coordinators in all branches
  • annual dangerous goods audits with a view to a more regular audit program
  • checklist for all relevant vehicles
  • training for 258-374 employees between 2011 and last year with on-line refresher courses from last year
  • relevant computer system enhancements; use of external consultants.