Work site traffic management

In February 2021, WorkSafe NZ released its “Guidance for keeping healthy and safe around vehicles and mobile plant at work sites” document. This was created in consultation with industry and was in response to the growing number of injuries and deaths in relation to work site traffic management. BY KEITH ROBINSON

This 62-page document can be found on the WorkSafe NZ website and this article is intended to be a brief summary of the full document. Despite this summary only being one page, readers should not under-estimate the scope required of an effective and compliant traffic management plan.

Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) and Risk Management:

a) PCBUs have an obligation to provide safe workplaces for workers and members of the public. b) Appropriate processes and mobile plant must be provided, and only competent people should be permitted to operate them.

c) Where more than one business shares a work site, (including a driveway), they must work together to manage the risks related to work site traffic. In a tenanted environment, both the landlord and tenant have a responsibility. d) A risk management approach is required to identify appropriate risks and mitigations using the “hierarchy of controls”. Control measures must be reviewed.

Site Design

A well planned and designed work site can reduce the risks to people working near work site traffic.

a) Site managers in a dynamic work site (e.g., a construction site) should engage with regular drivers on site to ensure effective systems and processes. b) In principle, keep pedestrians, the public and vehicles apart. Clearly marked pedestrian crossing areas should be maintained.

c) Maintain road surfaces, lighting and effective signage. Keep markings consistent.

Site Activity

Safe work site practices can help reduce the risks to people working in or near work site traffic. There is a need to consider: • Coupling and uncoupling; • Loading and unloading;

• Driver waiting areas; • Loading and unloading shipping containers;

• Tipping; • Tarping / load securing; and • Queuing vehicles.

Safe Vehicles

Using the right vehicle for the job, with up-to-date safety features, can help reduce the risk to driver and other people nearby. There is a need to consider:

• Ensure that the vehicle is designed to perform the task (e.g., weight, load, and environment). • Vehicle to have suitable certification.

• Evidence is required that operators are currently competent to use the machines.

• Unless specific exception is allowed, if a vehicle has a seat belt, it is to be used.

• Visibility – drivers should have good visibility when using the vehicles. • Pedestrians should have good visibility of the moving vehicles. • Consider modern technological safety controls.

• Keep vehicles well maintained. Daily checklists should be used. Issues identified are dealt with quickly.

Safe People

Everyone at a work site should have the knowledge and skill to do their job safely, including knowing how to keep themselves and others safe when working in and around vehicles. Areas to think about:

• Only use competent drivers. • Training and certifications to be provided by the PCBU. • Evidence of training and refresher training is required. • Appropriate PPE must be provided, users need to be trained on its use and replacement criteria. • Keep visitors and members of the public safe.

KEITH ROBINSON is the President of CILT NZ. Keith is a consultant / Trainer Auditor in traffic management providing advice and creating Traffic Management Plans.

Inductions and Traffic Management Plans

Creating work site inductions and traffic management plans in conjunction with other PCBUs and your workers is a useful way to manage shared risks. Inductions – Work site inductions are one way to make sure new workers and visitors entering a work site know and understand the requirements and expectations for that work site. Traffic Management Plans – Work sites that have a lot of traffic activity or pedestrian interaction should have a traffic management plan. Traffic management plans help communicate how traffic risks will be managed in greater detail. Joint PCBU Traffic Plans – Where more than one PCBU operate on the same site, a Traffic Management Plan should be created using a committee with representatives from each PCBU. This Committee can also carry out the monitoring and review of the traffic management plan.