SafetyPaperwork
Toolbox talk · Australia

Working Near Traffic Toolbox Talk

Road and roadside work puts you a few metres from vehicles driven by people who are distracted, speeding or not expecting you. A car does not need to be going fast to kill someone. The setup of the work zone is what keeps you alive.

Takes about 5 minutes.

Key points to read out

  1. Work only inside a traffic management plan set up to AS 1742.3 by accredited traffic controllers and implementers.
  2. Set out signs and cones in the right order, and remove them in reverse. Never stand in a live lane to do it.
  3. Wear day and night high visibility clothing to AS/NZS 4602.1 when working near traffic.
  4. Face oncoming traffic whenever you can, and always know your escape route.
  5. Stay inside the safety zone. Do not step out into a live lane to grab tools or materials.
  6. Keep site vehicles entering and leaving under control with a spotter or traffic controller.
  7. Rain, night work, sun glare and bends all reduce what drivers can see. Add extra warning and lighting.
  8. Report near misses and any driver who ignores the controls.

Questions to ask the crew

  1. Who set up today's traffic control, and does it match the plan?
  2. What is your escape route if a car enters the work zone?
  3. Where are the riskiest moments in our setup today?
  4. Does everyone have the right high visibility clothing?

Reference: AS 1742.3 (Traffic control for works on roads)

Get it signed

Run this talk in the app. The crew signs on your phone and you get a dated attendance record as a PDF.

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