Product Overview

This Traffic Control SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, assess, and control the risks associated with managing vehicle and pedestrian movements on and around worksites. It provides end-to-end coverage of planning, set-up, active control, and pack-down of traffic management arrangements to support WHS compliance and safer traffic control operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and design of traffic management layouts, including traffic guidance schemes and site-specific traffic control plans
• Selection, inspection, and positioning of signs, cones, bollards, and barriers to clearly delineate work areas and traffic lanes
• Safe set-up and removal of temporary traffic control devices on public roads, private roads, and construction sites
• Use of stop/slow bats, hand signals, and communication protocols between traffic controllers and plant operators
• Management of vehicle and pedestrian interactions, including designated walkways, crossings, and exclusion zones
• Control of traffic around mobile plant, delivery vehicles, and heavy vehicle movements entering or exiting the work area
• Night works and low-visibility traffic control, including lighting, high-visibility clothing, and reflectorised devices
• Traffic control in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, high winds, or extreme heat
• Use of portable traffic lights, variable message signs (VMS), and other automated traffic control equipment
• Communication and coordination with road authorities, emergency services, and other contractors on or near the roadway
• Managing work near live traffic, including speed reduction measures and buffer zones to protect workers
• Emergency procedures for vehicle collisions, near misses, aggressive drivers, or loss of traffic control
• Fatigue management, hydration, and rotation of traffic controllers during prolonged shifts

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for traffic controllers, civil construction contractors, road maintenance crews, utility workers, event organisers, and site supervisors responsible for managing traffic 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 Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling risks associated with vehicles and mobile plant used near traffic control zones
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, egress, and amenities for workers operating in and around traffic
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling traffic-related hazards
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Additional guidance for traffic control activities associated with civil and construction projects
• AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (relevant parts): Requirements for the design and use of traffic control signs, devices, and road markings
• AS/NZS 4602.1 High visibility safety garments: Requirements for high-visibility clothing used by traffic controllers and roadside workers