New code safeguards workers from traffic hazards

A new code of practice came into effect on 1 September 2008 aimed at reducing the risk of death or serious injury caused by traffic to Queensland workers.

The Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice 2008 (the code) provides an industry benchmark for managing traffic for construction or maintenance work on or adjacent to a road.

The code has been developed in response to ongoing accidents involving workers. Over the last four years four traffic controllers have been killed after being hit by a vehicle, and more than 30 were injured.

The new code addresses the risks by providing practical guidance for employers, principal contractors and workers on the identification and control of risks for workers undertaking construction or maintenance.

Construction work includes building, repairing, resealing or resurfacing a road, re-sheeting a gravel road, laying drainage pipes, repairing footpaths, and associated excavation and landscaping.

Maintenance work includes mowing or trimming trees on a median strip or footpath, or undertaking work on underground or overhead services or utilities.

The code does not apply to police officers performing rostered duty, overtime or special duties, drivers of tow trucks retrieving a broken down vehicle, a rubbish truck driver collecting rubbish or a taxi carrying passengers.

The code assists obligation holders to ensure the workplace health and safety of workers and others by:

providing information on some of the hazards and risks associated with traffic management for construction or maintenance work
providing information on traffic control measures
clarifying roles and responsibilities of traffic controllers and associated persons
providing recommendations for training people to use the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Part 3, which is a source document for the planning, design, installation, operation and removal of traffic guidance schemes administered by the Queensland Department of Main Roads

The code is the result of government and stakeholder concerns for road worker safety. It was developed by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations in close consultation with other Queensland Government departments, unions, training providers and employer organisations.

Table of contents | Enforceable undertaking benefits workers, industry and the community