Fatigue management in WA
In Western Australia, fatigue for commercial vehicle drivers is managed under the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022, with WorkSafe WA's Code of practice: Fatigue management for commercial vehicle drivers. Drivers must hold a current medical certificate, keep accurate records of work and rest, and report for work rested and fit. Businesses must manage fatigue as a safety risk.
Rules and paperwork help, but they can't tell you when a driver is actually nodding off on the Great Northern Highway at 3 am. That's where in-cab technology helps.
What an AI fatigue camera does
A driver-facing camera watches the driver's face and head. AI running on the camera itself recognises the warning signs and alerts the driver straight away with a sound, and can notify the fleet manager. The Teltonika ProCam detects:
- Eyes closed
- Yawning
- Distraction (eyes off the road)
- Phone use
- Smoking
- Seat belt not fastened
- No driver detected
- Camera blocked
A road-facing camera adds collision, headway, pedestrian and lane departure warnings.
Why the alert matters more than the video
Traditional dashcams only help after a crash. An AI camera warns the driver in the moment, when a micro-sleep is starting or eyes have left the road for too long. Fleet managers then see a pattern of events per driver and can adjust rosters, breaks or training before something happens.
What fleets use the data for
- Coaching: video clips of real events make conversations with drivers specific and fair.
- Rostering: repeated fatigue alerts at the same time of day point to a scheduling problem.
- Evidence: footage protects good drivers in disputes and insurance claims.
- Records: GPS trip history supports your work and rest records.
Privacy and drivers
Talk to drivers before installing in-cab cameras, explain what's recorded and why, and follow the workplace surveillance laws that apply to you. The ProCam has a privacy mode for the cabin camera. Most drivers accept cameras once they see they're there to keep them safe and back them up.
Getting started
Start with a few vehicles on your highest-risk routes, review the first month of alerts with your drivers, then roll out. GeoGuard's Video plan is from $50 a month per vehicle, with GPS tracking included.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Check WorkSafe WA's current code of practice for your obligations.
