In the realm of workplace activities involving traffic, understanding and mitigating risks is crucial. Over the period from 2014 to 2016, Queensland witnessed 10 workers losing their lives due to incidents involving mobile plant collisions or entrapments, alongside 1,200 recorded workers' compensation claims for severe injuries during the same timeframe. Effectively addressing traffic dynamics at worksites can significantly contribute to the prevention of such incidents and resultant injuries.
Potential harm arises from various scenarios, including being caught between a vehicle and a structure, vehicular collisions, direct impacts from vehicles, and the risk of items falling off inadequately secured or unstable loads.
To manage these risks collaboratively, workers and management must join forces. Workers hold a responsibility to exercise reasonable care for their own health and safety, avoiding actions that could jeopardize the well-being of others. Compliance with reasonable instructions and adherence to health and safety policies and procedures are integral aspects of a worker's duty.
The Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice 2008 provides insights into the hazards, risks, and responsibilities linked with traffic management in construction or maintenance contexts. It also outlines traffic control measures. For businesses, particularly employers or persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), adopting a risk management approach to handle traffic-related issues is mandated by the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. Additional responsibilities may apply based on the Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice 2008.
A four-step risk management process is recommended for businesses to fulfill their obligations under work health and safety (WHS) laws. Additional resources, such as the traffic management self-assessment tool, offer guidance on effectively managing traffic risks. The principles for creating a safe work environment further complement these efforts.