International authorities are looking to learn from the Australian system for keeping truck drivers safe.

A draft resolution was issued after last week’s meeting of the United Nations’ labour body - the International Labour Organization (ILO) – which calls for research into best practices around the world for reducing the exploitation of truck drivers.

It specifically pointed to Australian regulations as a potentially international model.

The resolution says “the need for fair and safe remuneration systems” should prompt research into Australia's “Safe Rate model” (the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal).

The call has gone down well in Australia.

“This is a huge boast for our system in Australia which links the rates drivers are paid to safety on the roads,” says Transport Workers’ Union national secretary Tony Sheldon.

“Other countries have now recognised that pressures on drivers lead directly to the carnage on our roads.

“This is about holding those accountable at the top of the transport chain – the wealthy retailers and manufacturers – for the deadly effects of low cost contracts.

“No more should the trucking and wider communities have to bear this brunt.”

The draft resolution also called out the transport industry for having some of the highest injury and fatality rates of any industry.

The authorities found that supply chain practices often lead to intense pressures on drivers, which can undermine their rights at work.

“The pressures to skip breaks, overload vehicles, speed and drive for longer than is legal are problems for drivers all over the world,” Sheldon says.

“We need a global effort to tackle these problems and stop the carnage. We now have the green light to do this.”