In November 2007 Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) commenced work on developing the new Code of Practice – Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work (Code). The code, designed to enhance road worker safety, was developed due to the ongoing serious injuries and deaths of Queensland road workers, particularly traffic controllers.
In between July 2003 and March 2008 there were 6 deaths and 22 serious injuries in Queensland related to roadwork and civil construction. The most obvious hazards to these workers are being hit by passing traffic and heavy road works equipment.
The code assists people to manage health and safety risks posed by traffic to workers and other people while construction or maintenance work is occurring on, or adjacent to roads.
The new code came into effect on 1 September 2008. During August 2008, WHSQ partnered with the then Queensland Department of Main Roads (Main Roads) and delivered a series of free information sessions state-wide over three weeks. Due to popularity WHSQ and Main Roads conducted a second round of information sessions in April this year.
The first round of information sessions was conducted in Brisbane (southside and northside), Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Goondiwindi, Gympie, Mackay, Maroochydore, Rockhampton, Roma Southport, Toowoomba and Townsville. The second series went back to Brisbane and the Gold Coast but also added Hervey Bay and Warwick to the itinerary.
Feedback from people attending the first round of sessions showed that 86.4 per cent of those surveyed (532 e-surveys) found the content and method of face-to-face consultation good or very good. More than 92 per cent indicated they would attend a similar event in future.
During April and May 2009 WHSQ inspectors across Queensland are conducting state-wide checks to determine compliance with the code and industry standards. Results of the audit will be made available in the near future.
For people who did not get to attend any of the sessions, you can download the latest version of the presentation and an information sheet, from the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website.
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© The State of Queensland (Department of Justice and Attorney-General) 2009.
