Qld establishes road traffic controller work-safety taskforce

Queensland Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick says a taskforce will be established to investigate traffic controller safety and conditions. This is in response to the Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman’s report on traffic controller safety. The report identified a range of possible measures for the government to consider to further improve safety and industrial conditions among workers in the contract traffic-control industry.

Traffic controllers are present at roadworks and on construction sites. The report highlighted a number of concerns, including the need for improved provision of toilets, fatigue breaks, safety and training, appropriate signage and avenues for complaint reporting.

The report also found there was a need for increased responsibility among employers regarding accreditation, compliance and licensing of business operators who provide traffic-control services.

Minister Dick says that while the government has taken significant steps to bolster safety and industrial conditions for this particular industry, more can be done. In 2008, the Queensland government introduced the Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work code of practice to help reduce the risk to Queensland roadworkers.

The Minister says he will be inviting representatives from various stakeholder groups to work with the Office of Fair and Safe Work Queensland to determine what further safety and condition improvements should be implemented for traffic controllers.