A workplace traffic management plan that is pedestrian-friendly is essential for every organisation to help communicate the management of traffic risks. It can provide procedures and instructions for controlling traffic and include the roles of various personnel managing traffic. Additionally, it can set out the responsibilities of individuals interacting with traffic in the workplace.

The essential elements of a traffic and pedestrian management plan may include:

• The optimal flow of both transport vehicles and pedestrians
• A lay-out of the work, including walkways and traffic path arrangements
• Traffic and safety control measures (use of safety barriers, signs, line markings, bollards, and protective warning devices)
• The safety of pedestrians and persons working in areas with vehicles such as trucks and vans
• The anticipated frequency of interaction between vehicles and personnel
• The management of simple to complex traffic issues at the worksite.

Traffic and Pedestrian Management Control Checklist

Safe Work Australia offers a checklist that can help your workplace implement safety using the most essential elements of a traffic and pedestrian management plan.

It would be best if you considered the following areas of concern: vehicle routes, pedestrian routes, vehicle movement, signs, separation, warning devices, personal protective equipment, vehicle safety, and information, training and supervision.

For instance, the following points/questions should be considered:

1. 1. 1. Are the pathways and roads within the workplace suitable for the volumes and types of traffic?

         

      2. Are the loading zones clearly labelled?
      3. Are vehicle routes wide enough to separate pedestrians and vehicles and for the largest vehicle using them?
      4. Are the walkways for pedestrians separated from vehicles?

         

      5. Are the walkways for pedestrians clearly marked

         

      6. Are the pedestrian walkways clearly maintained?
      7. Do drivers of vehicles use the proper routes and drive within the speed limit and worksite rules?
      8. Are systems in place to keep moving vehicles and pedestrians apart (e.g. exclusion zones, physical barriers and safety zones?

         

      9. Are sensors, flashing lights, and reversing alarms installed on the mobile-powered plant?
      10. Are instructions and information about safe movement around the workplace provided to external delivery drivers and visitors

          

   The Most Essential Elements: A Walk-Through on Traffic and Pedestrian Management at the Workplace

   • High-volume traffic workplaces should have a traffic and pedestrian management consultative committee. This can be applied to workplaces, including freight terminals, production areas, warehouses, hospitals, loading docks, and food industries. The committee can be composed of safety and health representatives, supervisors, operator representatives, and other personnel sharing the working areas and traffic routes of vehicles.
   • The traffic and pedestrian management plan should be regularly reviewed and monitored. This should especially be in focus following accidents or near misses to ensure it remains effective and efficient, taking into account workplace changes (both minor and major).
   • Protection for personnel and other individuals at risk for traffic-related incidents should be provided. This includes training, information, and supervision or instruction on the traffic and pedestrian management plan. Mainly, supervision should be provided to ensure compliance with safety practices and procedures.
   • The responsibilities for safety and health management should be appropriately allocated. Additionally, all individuals involved in the workplace must understand their safety role, and reasonably take precautions for themselves and everyone at the workplace.
   • Visitors should be provided with the information necessary to protect them from traffic-related risks. For instance, instructions on designated pedestrian exclusion zones, safe routes, parking areas, as well as speed limits, should be in place. Visitors/people new to the work areas should report to an office for information on safety procedures before they are allowed to enter areas with vehicles or powered mobile plants.

Controlling Workplace Traffic & Pedestrian Risk

Safe Work Australia recommends the following ways to manage traffic and pedestrian risks at the workplace:

1. 1. 1. Keep people and vehicles apart.

         

      2. Manage vehicle routes.
      3. Protect pedestrian crossings.
      4. Provide safety measures in parking areas.

         

      5. Eliminate reversing vehicles (or use precautionary measures).
      6. Load and unload vehicles using the best safety practices.
         
      7. Maintain and check the visibility of signs and road markings.
      8. Provide proper lighting for traffic routes and manoeuvring areas (e.g. walkways, vehicle routes, and junctions).

         

Final Take-Away

If there exists any kind of interaction between humans and vehicles or machines at your workplace, a Verge barrier should be installed.

You require the highest level safety for your food and wine industry, warehouse, freight terminal, production area, shopping centre, hospital, loading dock, or car park, and there are safety specialists who can help.

Watch this short clip below on protective measures/products that can significantly eliminate unwanted accidents or death of personnel in your workplace.

In the end, Director Steve Wiggins says it loud and clear, “Creating safer work environments should not just be your workplace motto – but a way of life.”