RoadTek Toowoomba Depot faced challenges with increased activity leading to more reported incidents and near misses since 2010. In response, a collaborative effort involving staff, management, and stakeholders conducted a comprehensive review of the traffic management process.
The review identified areas for improvement, such as vehicle and pedestrian access, and site layout. Significant changes included the installation of electronic gates, a single entry point for pedestrians, mandatory sign-in and induction for all personnel, and magnetic sensor pads for controlled exit gates. These improvements aimed to enhance safety and better manage identified risks.
This exit only gate has access to a quiet street corner
To enhance safety at RoadTek Toowoomba Depot, significant improvements were made in managing visitor and delivery driver movements. All visitors must sign in at the front reception, receive assistance to their destination, and have deliveries directed to specific unloading zones. Drivers remain in designated safe zones during unloading. Additionally, a single exit gate was established on the less busy southern side, providing better visibility of oncoming traffic. Improvements in pedestrian safety included marked crossings and speed humps, waste collection procedures, and clear signage for forklift transit areas. These measures aim to ensure safer and more organized pedestrian and vehicular movement within the depot.
Use of yellow paint for speed humps to distinguish from pedestrian crossing lines
To enhance safety in site layout and design at the RoadTek Toowoomba Depot, significant improvements were implemented. These include the establishment of one-way traffic flow within the depot, eliminating two-way travel. Additionally, a thorough review of pedestrian walkways inside the main entry gate was conducted to ensure safe access between buildings. These measures aim to streamline traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety within the depot premises.
Pedestrian barrier rail installed to separate traffic flow from pedestrians in bowser awning area
To improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow at the RoadTek Toowoomba Depot, various measures were implemented. This includes the installation of pedestrian signage and crossings, redesigning the on-site pedestrian layout to align with the new one-way traffic system, and facilitating the exit of large vehicles without the need for reversing. Additionally, reverse angle parking was introduced, enhancing parking efficiency and eliminating the requirement for vehicles to reverse into oncoming traffic lanes. Furthermore, the installation of pedestrian barrier rails around the fuel bowser area ensures physical separation, providing safe access to office and lunchroom areas.
Pedestrian barrier rail installed to separate traffic flow from pedestrians in bowser awning area
The review of traffic management at RoadTek's Toowoomba depot led to enhanced safety and productivity outcomes. Implementation of initiatives resulted in a safer work environment by segregating pedestrian traffic from machinery, reducing the risk of incidents. The changes contributed to improved productivity through decreased on-site congestion, fostering more efficient and effective operations involving drivers, workers, pedestrians, and vehicles.