Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) details the high-risk work activities, hazards, and control measures associated with traffic control setup, signage, and barricades to protect workers and the public. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that covers multiple aspects of traffic management safety and supports ongoing WHS compliance on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Area cordoning to clearly delineate work zones and keep unauthorised persons away from live traffic and construction activities
• Planning and setup of barriers to separate vehicles, plant, pedestrians, and work areas in accordance with site traffic management plans
• Safe erection of barricades, hoarding, and temporary fencing to prevent public access to hazardous zones
• Installing barriers around active construction areas to minimise the risk of collision, struck-by incidents, and unauthorised entry
• Partitioning work areas off from public access, including malls, footpaths, and shared zones, using compliant barricading systems
• Setting up isolation zones for high-risk activities such as crane lifts, demolition, excavation, and mobile plant operations
• Correct placement of signage and barricades to provide clear, visible, and unambiguous directions to motorists and pedestrians
• Setting up signage, barriers, and warning devices in line with approved traffic control diagrams and site-specific traffic guidance schemes
• Use of flashing lights, beacons, and illuminated warning devices at night or in low-visibility conditions to enhance visibility and safety
• Verification and validation that adequate signage, barriers, and devices are in place and maintained throughout the work
• Safe removal and dismantling of barriers, hoarding, and signage while progressively reopening areas to traffic and the public
• Manual handling controls for lifting, carrying, and positioning heavy barricades, bases, and signage equipment
• Traffic and pedestrian interface management, including entry/exit points for workers, plant, and deliveries
• Emergency access and egress planning within barricaded and cordoned areas for first responders and evacuation

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for traffic controllers, civil and road construction contractors, utility and infrastructure crews, building contractors, and site supervisors responsible for planning, installing, and maintaining traffic control setups, signage, and barricades around work areas.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Risks of Construction Work Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying and controlling construction-related risks, including traffic interfaces and public protection
• Traffic Management Code of Practice (where adopted by the relevant state or territory regulator): Requirements for safe traffic control, signage, and barricading around road and construction works
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Ensuring safe access, egress, and separation of workers and the public within barricaded areas
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Risk management principles applied to traffic control, signage placement, and barrier systems
• AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (relevant parts): Standards for the design, selection, and use of traffic signs, devices, and barricades on and around roadways