Source: Worksafe New Zealand
WorkSafe and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) are encouraging councils to get on board with the shift to a risk-based approach to temporary traffic management across the country.
WorkSafe endorses the new NZTA guidance which was introduced in 2023 and requires temporary traffic management (TTM) to be more risk-based. Many councils have already embraced this new approach, and WorkSafe encourages those that haven’t considered adopting it yet to make a start.
“We recognise that this change is significant for councils, as road controlling authorities. We want to see traffic management that is fit for purpose, to manage the specific risks of the job and site,” says WorkSafe’s chief executive, Sharon Thompson.
The new guidance was specifically developed by NZTA in consultation with WorkSafe, to complement and sit alongside the responsibilities that businesses (including councils) have under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
NZTA and WorkSafe are available to provide guidance for councils to understand how to transition to the new risk-based TTM guidance, while ensuring work is healthy and safe.
NZTA and WorkSafe are also members of the Temporary Traffic Management Industry Steering Group, which was formed to support the sector and road controlling authorities to transition to the new guidance. This industry group will host engagement sessions in August and September with councils in Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay, with WorkSafe and NZTA in attendance.
Further educational workshops will be planned to share information with council operational staff about the guidance and also the National Forward Works Planner – details will be shared in due course.
WorkSafe is currently piloting a digital hotline aimed at reducing excessive use of road cones nationwide. Sharing the hotline reports with councils has been a catalyst for some to assess their temporary traffic management.
“The pilot aims to reduce unnecessary cones on the road. While cones are primarily there to manage the speed and flow of traffic and help keep everyone safe, there can be times when usage is excessive,” says Sharon Thompson.
WorkSafe inspectors are completing shared site visits with both Auckland Transport and Christchurch City Council, with more scheduled, to assess TTM.
Councils wanting more information can email roadcones@worksafe.govt.nz
