Workers struck by vehicles

Initial investigations indicated the worker was retrieving traffic control signage in proximity to an active traffic zone, when, the worker was struck by a passing vehicle.

In a separate incident, a traffic controller was seriously injured while performing road traffic management tasks. Initial investigations indicate the worker was setting up lane closures in preparation for road maintenance activities, when a vehicle veered into the lane being closed and subsequently striking the traffic controller.

Investigations into these two incidents are continuing.

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

Principal contractors (PC) and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have a primary duty to provide a safe workplace environment that minimises the risk of injury to workers within, or adjacent to, the work area responsible for construction or maintenance work.

PCs and PCBUs must first consider controls that most effectively eliminate the risk or, where not reasonably practicable, minimise the risks associated with from coming into contact with vehicular traffic or moving plant. Elimination involves controlling the hazard at the source. For example, using traffic lights instead of a traffic controller to control traffic at roadwork sites.

Principal contractors performing construction work on roads or road-related areas must prepare a written work health and safety management plan before starting the project, and every person working on the project must be informed about the plan. A traffic management plan or traffic guidance scheme in accordance with the requirements and recommendations of the MUTCD Part 3, should be part of the safety management plan.

Risks such as workers and others being struck by vehicles may also be minimised by implementing administrative controls, so far as is reasonably practicable. This should include implementing a safe system of work in consultation with workers.

Traffic management

The Traffic management for construction or maintenance work Code of Practice 2008 (PDF, 0.8 MB) includes information regarding the setting up, operating, changing and ultimate dismantling of a traffic guidance scheme. This process applies to all roadworks, regardless of size or complexity.

It is important to note that technical guidance for temporary traffic management in Queensland is overseen by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Transport and Main Roads has adopted Austroads' Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM) as part of national harmonisation. The Queensland Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (QGTTM) contains only departures from the AGTTM.

The QGTTM must be read in conjunction with the AGTTM. The QGTTM takes precedence over the AGTTM, except where the Austroads Guide is 'accepted.'
Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads

When considering control measures such as road or footpath closures, advice and approvals should be obtained from relevant authorities, including the local council, where the work is to be conducted, or the Queensland Police Service. Construction works carried out on, in, or adjacent to a road or other traffic corridor that is in use by traffic, is considered high risk construction work which requires a safe work method statement.

It is the responsibility of PC or PCBUs in accordance with the relevant legislation and technical guidance for temporary traffic management to ensure that:

• all signs and traffic control devices for construction work or maintenance activities are set up
• the placement of speed restriction signing and protective barriers are set up
• appropriate control measures for these activities are be implemented, monitored and reviewed.

Steps should be taken to inform the public of adverse conditions, guard, delineate, and, where necessary, illuminate work, which may pose a hazard to road users.

PCs and PCBUs carrying out construction or maintenance work on roads that require the use of a traffic guidance scheme should:

• understand their responsibility to provide a safe workplace for people and plant under their control and safe travelling conditions for road users
• ensure that all personnel at a worksite are aware of their responsibilities, and that traffic controllers are appropriately trained and informed of their duties
• be familiar with, and act in accordance with, the relevant legislation and guidance material.

Traffic controllers

A traffic controller shall direct traffic at and/or through a worksite, or other events in a manner specified in the approved operating procedure for the safety of all road users and road work. PCBUs who employ traffic controllers must use only accredited traffic controllers to perform traffic control duties. PCBUs who employ traffic controllers must not ask a traffic controller to do anything that may cause the person to:

• breach the statutory conditions of their appointment/accreditation
• breach the conditions of appointment stated in the person’s instrument of appointment
• breach the terms and conditions of the Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme Approved Procedure (TCASAP)
• breach the requirements of relevant legislation
• operate in unsafe conditions.

PCBUs who employ traffic controllers should ensure that workers not only have the required accreditation to perform traffic control duties, but they also have sufficient experience to operate safely and efficiently in the traffic control area in which they are allocated.

Traffic management plans are live documents that must be reviewed regularly and updated as the construction site changes.