Have you ever driven or walked near a construction site and seen a construction worker directing the flow of traffic and pedestrians using hand signals, flags, or batons? That’s called construction traffic control, or construction traffic management—a very important function in the construction industry. Let’s take a closer look at why construction traffic control is so important.
How Does Traffic Control Keep Workers Safe?
Construction sites are often hectic and chaotic places, with heavy machinery and tons of unpredictable activity. As such, worker safety is understandably a top priority for any construction company. Construction traffic control helps mitigate some of the major safety risks that workers face on a daily basis.
For example, by guiding traffic away from work areas and ensuring that large vehicles slow down in tight spaces, construction companies can prevent accidents and injuries caused by collisions or distractions. Additionally, it helps prevent worker exposure to toxic fumes from traffic exhaust and other hazards in the surrounding environment, such as harmful airborne dust particles during demolition or construction operations.
Does Traffic Control Help with WHS Compliance?
Safe Work Australia’s WHS regulations state that all employers have a duty of care to their employees. This means that employers need to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the safety of their employees. One way to do this is by putting a traffic control plan in place. By having a traffic control plan, you can help ensure that your employees are not exposed to unnecessary risks while they’re working on a job site.
Not sure which cards and qualifications are actually required on site? Our guide on what cards you need for traffic control covers exactly what’s expected of workers and supervisors.
Can Traffic Control Save Your Business Money?
Another benefit of having effective construction traffic control is minimising the chances of accidents and injuries happening. You see, construction-related accidents and injuries not only cause pain and suffering for those involved, but they can also be very costly for construction companies.
Construction-related accidents and injuries often lead to insurance claims, worker’s compensation claims, legal expenses, and lost productivity due to missed work days. By minimising the chances of accidents and injuries occurring, construction companies can save a considerable amount of money each year.
Does Traffic Control Keep Projects on Schedule?
Uncontrolled traffic around construction sites can lead to congestion and delays, which can end up costing the project both time and money. By having effective construction traffic control in place, these disruptions can be minimised, ensuring that projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
Upskill Institute: Enroll in Our Construction Traffic Control Course Today!
Do you want to learn how to effectively manage and control traffic in busy construction zones? If so, then look no further than Upskill Institute. Our comprehensive Construction Traffic Control course will teach you everything you need to know about managing and directing traffic around busy construction sites. Contact us today to learn more about our courses!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is traffic control legally required on construction sites?
Yes. Under Safe Work Australia’s WHS regulations, employers have a duty of care to protect workers from foreseeable risks, and uncontrolled traffic near a job site is considered one of those risks. A traffic control plan is one of the main ways companies meet this obligation.
What happens if a construction company doesn’t manage site traffic properly?
Poor traffic control increases the risk of collisions, injuries, and exposure to hazards like exhaust fumes and airborne dust. Beyond the safety risk, incidents can lead to insurance claims, workers’ compensation costs, legal expenses, and project delays.
Does traffic control only apply to public roads near a site?
No. It also applies inside the site itself, guiding vehicles away from work areas, controlling how large vehicles move in tight spaces, and keeping pedestrians separated from moving plant and machinery.
