This paper reviews the literature concerning safety management interventions, that have been effective
in reducing injury outcomes in occupational health and safety (OHS) and road safety, and assesses their
applicability to reducing crash and injury outcomes in heavy vehicle transport. There was little robust
empirical research in the heavy vehicle transport sector providing evidence of effective safety management
characteristics that reduced crashes and injuries. The research on safety management practices,
safety culture and injury risk assessment in other areas of transport and OHS purported to directly influence
crash and/or injury outcomes was also assessed as well as those that influenced some measure of
safety improvement. The operational and management characteristics that were associated with reduced
crash and injury risk included: safety training, management commitment, scheduling or journey planning,
size of organisation or freight type, worker participation, incentives and safety or return to work
policies. Other characteristics that might be associated with lower incident and injury rates were risk
analysis/corrective actions, prior safety violations, crashes or incidents, vehicle conditions or physical
work environment, vehicle technologies, recruitment and retention, pay and remuneration systems, communications/
support, safety or quality management accreditation, financial performance, and worker
characteristics and attitudes. The review also highlighted gaps in the literature requiring further research.