Product Overview

Summary: This Collision Hazards Prevention Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for identifying, controlling and monitoring collision risks between people, vehicles and plant in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations create predictable traffic flows, separate pedestrians from mobile plant, and meet their WHS obligations while keeping projects moving efficiently.

Collision hazards are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in Australian workplaces, particularly where people, vehicles and mobile plant interact in confined or fast‑paced environments. This Collision Hazards Prevention SOP sets out a structured, step‑by‑step approach to planning site layouts, managing traffic flows, and controlling the interface between pedestrians, vehicles and fixed structures. It is designed to be practical for real‑world operations, whether you are managing a construction site, warehouse, depot, manufacturing facility, or busy yard.

The document guides you through hazard identification, risk assessment and implementation of hierarchy‑of‑control measures, such as physical separation, engineered barriers, traffic management plans, spotters, and technology‑based controls (e.g. proximity alarms, reversing cameras). It also covers driver and pedestrian behaviour expectations, pre‑start checks for vehicles and mobile plant, communication protocols, and incident response. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, reduce the likelihood of collisions and near‑misses, and create a safer, more orderly workplace where people understand how to move, work and interact around vehicles and equipment.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of collisions between pedestrians, vehicles and mobile plant through clear, repeatable controls.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS legislation and relevant traffic management and plant safety requirements.
• Standardise traffic management practices across multiple sites, shifts and contractors.
• Improve worker awareness and behaviour around moving vehicles through consistent training and communication.
• Minimise operational disruptions, damage to assets and insurance costs arising from collision incidents.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Fleet Managers
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Manufacturing Plant Managers
• Traffic Controllers
• Facilities Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Vehicle–pedestrian collisions in loading docks, yards and warehouses
• Mobile plant striking structures, equipment or other vehicles
• Reversing vehicle incidents due to blind spots and poor visibility
• Forklifts colliding with racking, pallets or pedestrians
• Heavy vehicles interacting with light vehicles in shared zones
• Restricted sight lines at intersections, doorways and building corners
• Uncontrolled movement in shared traffic areas during peak times or poor weather
• Collisions arising from inadequate traffic control during construction or maintenance works

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Overview of Collision Hazards and Risk Profile
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Methodology
• 6.0 Site Layout and Traffic Management Planning
• 7.0 Pedestrian and Vehicle Separation Controls
• 8.0 Mobile Plant and Vehicle Operating Requirements
• 9.0 Signage, Line Marking and Physical Barriers
• 10.0 Use of Technology (Cameras, Alarms, Proximity Detection)
• 11.0 Communication Protocols, Spotters and High‑Risk Manoeuvres
• 12.0 Pre‑Start Checks and Maintenance Requirements
• 13.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 14.0 Contractor and Visitor Management
• 15.0 Incident, Near‑Miss Reporting and Investigation
• 16.0 Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 17.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory regulations)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Traffic Management in Workplaces (where adopted or referenced by regulators)
• Safe Work Australia – General Risk and Workplace Management guidance material
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS 2359 series: Powered industrial trucks (for forklift operations and traffic interactions)
• AS 1742: Manual of uniform traffic control devices (for on‑site traffic signage principles)