Rumble strips used across NSW to reduce roadwork accidents

SafeWork NSW has introduced a safety measure on roadwork sites across the state; rumble strips will now be used on selected roadwork sites where the speed limit is 60km/h or less, to help keep workers and motorists safe. The rumble strips are 20mm high, bright yellow pieces of plastic that vibrate when driven over, designed to alert drivers that they have entered a roadwork zone.

The high number of vehicle-related incidents on roadwork sites has prompted SafeWork NSW to address the risks associated with construction work. Rumble strips serve to remind drivers and motorists that they are in a high risk area. The strips are safe to drive over; motorists are urged to heed signage and slow down as they approach, remaining alert to workers and hazards in the zone.

“Many workers are seriously injured or killed when hit by moving plant, or in on-site vehicle collisions. Last month a worker sustained multiple fractures after he was struck by a vehicle when collecting warning signs at a Hornsby roadwork site. I can’t overstate the importance of having a well thought out traffic management plan that reduces and controls any risks that cannot be eliminated,” said Tony Williams, SafeWork NSW Executive Director of Operations.

Other essential work systems include separating workers from moving plant and vehicles wherever possible, with physical barricades, exclusion zones and segregated work processes. Rumble strips also ensure that pedestrians and cyclists have safe, alternative paths to travel.

“Slow down and look out so we can all ensure that improving NSW infrastructure is a safe and collaborative endeavour,” said Williams.

 Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/ClaraNila