Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, practical framework for managing traffic safely during towing operations on Australian roads and worksites. It sets out step-by-step controls to protect workers, tow truck operators, and the public while ensuring compliance with WHS and road traffic requirements.

Traffic management during towing operations is a high-risk activity, often undertaken in dynamic and unpredictable environments such as busy roads, construction zones, depots, and breakdown locations. Without a structured procedure, workers are exposed to moving vehicles, poor visibility, and time pressure, significantly increasing the likelihood of serious incidents, near misses and regulatory scrutiny. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a robust, step-by-step method for planning and controlling traffic wherever towing work is carried out, from initial risk assessment and site setup through to demobilisation and incident reporting.

Developed specifically for Australian operations, this SOP aligns with WHS obligations and typical state and territory road authority requirements. It addresses practical issues such as positioning of tow trucks and recovery vehicles, deployment of traffic control devices, communication between drivers and spotters, and coordination with police or road authorities. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, standardise safe work practices across their workforce, and significantly reduce the risk of collisions, struck-by incidents, and confusion at the roadside or worksite. It also supports consistent training and onboarding, making it easier to induct new staff and contractors into your towing and traffic management expectations.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of workers and road users being struck by moving vehicles during towing operations.
• Ensure towing activities are planned and executed in line with WHS duties and road traffic requirements across Australian jurisdictions.
• Standardise traffic management practices for all towing jobs, improving consistency and coordination between operators, spotters and traffic controllers.
• Enhance incident response capability by clearly defining roles, communication protocols and emergency procedures at the scene.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through a documented, repeatable traffic management process.

Who is this for?

• Tow Truck Operators
• Recovery Vehicle Drivers
• Transport and Logistics Managers
• Fleet Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Traffic Controllers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Roadside Assistance Coordinators
• Emergency Response Team Leaders
• Civil Construction Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Workers being struck by passing vehicles during roadside towing or recovery
• Collisions between tow trucks, recovery vehicles and other plant or vehicles
• Poor visibility conditions (night work, rain, fog, glare) increasing crash risk
• Inadequate or incorrect placement of cones, signs and warning devices
• Vehicle roll-away or unexpected movement during hookup, loading or unloading
• Slips, trips and falls when working around vehicles and traffic devices
• Communication failures between drivers, spotters and traffic controllers
• Fatigue and distraction affecting driver judgement during towing operations
• Exposure to secondary incidents at crash or breakdown scenes
• Public encroachment into work zones due to unclear traffic guidance

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Towing, Recovery, Work Zone, Traffic Control Devices)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Tow Operator, Spotter, Traffic Controller, Supervisor)
• 4.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 5.0 Pre-Operation Planning and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Communication Protocols and Use of Two-Way Radios/Mobile Devices
• 7.0 Vehicle and Equipment Requirements for Traffic Management During Towing
• 8.0 Site Arrival, Initial Scene Assessment and Hazard Identification
• 9.0 Establishing the Work Zone (Positioning of Tow Truck and Recovery Vehicles)
• 10.0 Selection and Placement of Signs, Cones, Beacons and Warning Devices
• 11.0 Traffic Flow Control Methods (Lane Closures, Diversions, Escorts, Spotters)
• 12.0 Safe Work Methods for Hooking Up, Loading and Unloading Vehicles in Traffic
• 13.0 Working in High-Risk Environments (High-Speed Roads, Intersections, Night Work, Adverse Weather)
• 14.0 Coordination with Police, Emergency Services and Road Authorities
• 15.0 Pedestrian Management Around Towing Operations
• 16.0 Managing Public Interaction and Site Security
• 17.0 Fatigue, Distraction and Fitness for Duty Considerations
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures and Response to Secondary Incidents
• 19.0 Post-Operation Demobilisation and Site Handover
• 20.0 Incident, Near Miss and Hazard Reporting Requirements
• 21.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Storage of Traffic Control Equipment
• 22.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Audit Trail
• 23.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Workplace Traffic Management
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS 1742: Manual of uniform traffic control devices (series, as applicable)
• State and Territory Tow Truck and Road Transport Regulations (e.g. NSW Tow Truck Industry Act and Regulation, local road rules)
• Austroads Guides and relevant state/territory Traffic Control at Worksites manuals or codes of practice