Motorsport Australia continues to develop and enhance the information, systems, guidance resources and tools used to address health and safety requirements, manage risks and provide a consistent structure to support our stakeholders.
The safety first framework and supporting systems underpin our commitment to a safety first culture and provides our stakeholders with the systems and tools required to run safe and successful motorsport events and activities.
Safety 1st
Motorsport Australia’s safety first strategy provides a roadmap for the future state of health and safety in motorsport.
The success of this strategy will be underpinned by a collective involvement, commitment and accountability for creating and maintaining a safe, healthy and environmentally responsible workplace for all.
Motorsport Australia is committed to supporting a strong safety culture by enabling people of motorsport to work safely and productively.
The safety first strategy places particular emphasis on leaders to influence and drive proactive health and safety behaviours through engagement, visibility and the implementation of Motorsport Australia’s strategic initiatives.
The Motorsport Australia Safe Event Package provides essential information for Organisers of either Motorkhana/Khanacross events or Non-Competitive Activities, of the potential risks associated with these events or activities (other than the competition component, where risks are minimised through the application of the Motorsport Australia National Competition Rules).
The Safe Event Package also provides important information on how to identify, assess, manage and reduce health and risks which may not have been previously identified to a level which is considered to be acceptable.
Refer to the following resources:
• Safety 1st – Understanding and Completing Targeted Risk Assessments
• Targeted Risk Assessment Form
• Safe Event Package for Motorkhana/Khanacross
• Safe Event Package for Non-Competitive Events
A site induction provides information on the health and safety requirements, hazards and risks and critical operations relevant to the particular venue where the event is being run.
The site induction gives the organiser the opportunity to advise or reiterate any site specific requirements, such as entry and egress points, location of the medical centre, speed limits, critical risks and controls, environmental issues and other relevant health and safety information.
Refer to the following resources for conducting site inductions:
Motorsport Australia has developed a health and safety management plan to outline the overarching risk and safety management provisions to be implemented by Motorsport Australia, Motorsport Organisations, Clubs, Circuits and Event Organisers for the safe and efficient management of motorsport activities and events.
This plan is intended to outline the minimum risk and safety management provisions for motorsport activities and events, stakeholders may use this resource or their own equivalent health and safety management plans.
Refer to the following resources:
• Health and Safety Management Plan for Motorsport Activities and Events
Motorsport Australia and its stakeholders are obligated under law to satisfy the requirements of the respective State and Territory OH&S/WHS Act, Regulations and Compliance Codes / Codes of Practice.
These requirements include establishing health and safety systems and safe systems of work to address hazards and risks associated with motorsport operations and public safety. It is expected that due diligence is demonstrated by managing risks as far as reasonably practicable.
This obligation applies not only to persons involved with the organisation of all events held under the sanction of a permit issued by Motorsport Australia, but also to Motorsport Australia itself.
State and Territory Regulators provide comprehensive information and resources including links to Acts, Regulates and Codes. Refer to the following links to access State / Territory Regulator websites:
State and Territory Regulator | Number |
| SafeWork NSW | 13 10 50 |
| Workplace Health and Safety Queensland | 1300 362 128 |
| WorkSafe Victoria | 1800 136 089 |
| WorkSafe ACT | (02) 6207 3000 |
| SafeWork SA | 1300 365 255 |
| NT WorkSafe | 1800 019 115 |
| WorkSafe WA | 1300 307 877 |
| WorkSafe Tasmania | (03) 6166 4600 |
Motorsport Australia has developed a suite of health and safety systems and resources including policies, management plans, checklists and guidance material.
These systems and resources are in place to assist event organisers and competitors with planning and implementing the required controls to ensure the safety of both the competition and the public environment.
Checklists and Resources
Motorsport Australia has developed a suite of checklists and guidance resources to assist with implementing health and safety requirements and addressing compliance obligations.
These checklists and resources also form part of the respective permit application process (as applicable).
CHECKLISTS
GUIDELINES
Critical Incident
Clear to Steer
Year-round, drivers, crews and officials find themselves in hot, humid and sometimes poorly-ventilated environments. The colour of one’s urine is a quick indication of whether they are sufficiently hydrated; whereby the clearer the urine, the more hydrated one is.
Based on this concept, Motorsport Australia has developed a hydration awareness program Clear to Steer, aimed at increasing education and awareness on dehydration and heat illness. The program is an important initiative linked directly to the Motorsport Australia Safety 1st Strategy and is underpinned by robust research conducted by the Australian Institute for Motor Sport Safety (AIMSS).
Clear to Steer aims to: decrease the risk of dehydration and heat illness in participants at motor sport events by increasing safe hydration policies, environments, knowledge, skills and behaviours; support the health and wellbeing of Motorsport Australia members by providing hydration packs; promote goodwill by supporting the active involvement of all volunteers in managing their safety and wellbeing; and promote the benefits of AIMSS by capitalising on recent research.
Clear to Steer will assist event organisers, officials, volunteers, competitors and crews to understand the causes and effects of heat illness and dehydration, and to take the simple steps to minimise the risks during hot or humid weather.
Stop Sleep Survive
The Stop Sleep Survive provides information that enables Motorsport Australia members to be proactive in obtaining adequate quality sleep. The aim of Stop Sleep Survive is to educate motorsport participants about the effects of fatigue and informing them of practical strategies to not only identify fatigue hazards during the planning and operational phases of motorsport events but also enable officials, competitors and volunteers to arrive at the start line prepared and refreshed by understanding the importance and effects of fatigue in injury and fatalities in motor transport. Providing practical information and skills to manage fatigue. Generally contributing to health and safety by promoting the principles of the Motorsport Australia Safety 1st culture.
To view the Stop Sleep Survive information booklet, click here.
Motorsport Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.