Edition 70, August 2009

Taskforce to investigate traffic controller safety and conditions in QLD

The Queensland Industrial Relations Minister has announced that a taskforce will be established to address the recommendations of a report into traffic controller safety and conditions.

The report by Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman identifies a range of possible measures for government to consider to further improve safety and industrial conditions among workers in the contract traffic control industry.

The report highlighted a number of concerns including:

  • a culture among Queensland motorists of ignoring reduced speed zones through road work sites
  • a need for improved provision of toilets, fatigue breaks, safety and training, appropriate signage and avenues for complaint reporting
  • a need for increased responsibility among employers regarding accreditation, compliance and licensing of business operators who provide traffic control services.

The taskforce will consider all recommendations raised in the report, to provide advice to government on final changes to be made in the future.

Last year the government introduced the Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice to help reduce the risk to Queensland road workers, of death or serious injury posed by traffic.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are continuing to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, to raise awareness about the code of practice and general safety on road work and construction sites.

The Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman's report into the Contract Traffic Control Industry can be accessed at www.workplacerights.qld.gov.au/resources/reports/index.htm

Related articles:
New general safety induction training requirements in Queensland (Edition 42, March 2007)
Review of transport and logistics units of competency underway (Edition 56, May 2008)
Update on QLD construction induction transition arrangements (Edition 66, April 2009)
New construction induction arrangements in QLD (Edition 70, August 2009)
Taskforce to investigate traffic controller safety and conditions in QLD (Edition 70, August 2009)
Construction training resource centre (Edition 71, October 2009)

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