The Vegetation Manager

Are you aware of the Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice 2008? Technigro has been working closely with Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to ensure our work on road networks complies with both the Code of Practice and MUTCD Guidelines.

Our Guest Columnist this month is the Workplace Health and Safety Advisor from TMR in the South Coast region, Mr Mark Royle. Mark's article gives an overview of the Workplace Health and Safety legislation and its relationship with the Code of practice and the MUTCD.

If you are responsible for work on roads, be sure to review this article so you are aware of your obligations.

The objective of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 is to prevent death, injury and illness from occurring in the workplace. All employers are required to provide a safe, risk free workplace for employees and other persons by meeting their workplace health and safety obligations.

The Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice 2008 is one such obligation employees much adhere to. The code, which commenced 1st September 2008, was developed to assist relevant persons managing workplace health and safety risks and particularly those posed by traffic to workers and other persons whilst construction or maintenance work is being undertaken on or adjacent to roads.

The code of practice:

• Provides information about the hazards and risks associated with traffic management
• Provides information on traffic control measures
• Clarifies the roles and responsibilities of traffic controllers and associated persons
• Provides recommendations for training in the application of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Part 3 (MUTCD Part 3) for persons working on or adjacent to roads.

The MUTCD Part 3 provides technical background and guidance for the placement of traffic control signs and devices during road works and provides traffic guidance schemes for a range of work activities and work sites.

Non-compliance with the Code of Practice (COP) can result in works being immediately closed down and/or other fines and penalties issued by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. Failure to comply may also lead to the loss of state or federal-aid funds and expose any offender to a significant increase in personal liability and/or prosecution.

Some activities subject to the code include:

• Building a new road
• Repairing a road
• Resealing or resurfacing a road
• Repairing footpaths
• Excavation and landscaping associated with these previous activities
• Mowing on median strips
• Trimming trees on median strips or footpaths

For a full copy of the Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice 2008, click here.

Mark Royle is the Workplace Health and Safety Advisor in the South Coast region for the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Mark will contribute to this publication on a regular basis, keeping us up to date on safety matters that affect our industry.

Back to past articles.