RISKS IN TRAFFIC CONTROL I ASKED GROK FOR HELP WITH THIS BLOG
- yunus
- Oct 8
- 4 min read
Injuries to Traffic Controllers in Australia and Victoria: A Hidden Risk on Our Roads
Traffic controllers in Australia play a vital role in ensuring road safety, directing vehicles and pedestrians around construction zones, maintenance works, and events. Often standing in the path of fast-moving traffic, these workers face significant dangers, including being struck by vehicles, equipment rollovers, and other hazards. Despite their critical function, injuries to traffic controllers remain a pressing concern, with statistics revealing hundreds of claims annually across the country. In Victoria, WorkSafe reports highlight fatalities and serious injuries, underscoring the need for stricter prevention measures. This blog explores the common injuries faced by traffic controllers, key statistics from Australia and Victoria, regulatory frameworks, and proven strategies for injury prevention to optimize road worker safety. Understanding the Role and Risks of Traffic Controllers Traffic controllers, also known as road traffic controllers, manually direct traffic flows using stop-slow bats and signs during road closures or worksites.
Their job demands constant vigilance in high-stress environments, where they're exposed to speeding vehicles, reversing trucks, and unpredictable drivers. According to the Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA), these workers are among the most at-risk professions, with 44% reporting near misses from speeding cars in a 2024 national survey.
In Australia, road traffic controllers must comply with national standards like the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), which emphasizes safety protocols to protect workers, motorists, and pedestrians.
However, despite these guidelines, the inherent risks—such as distracted driving and poor visibility—lead to preventable injuries and fatalities. Common Injuries Faced by Traffic Controllers in Australia The most prevalent injuries to traffic controllers stem from vehicle strikes, equipment mishaps, and environmental factors. Based on reports from Safe Work Australia and state regulators, here's a breakdown:
Struck-by Vehicle Incidents: The leading cause, accounting for most fatalities. In 2024, a Brisbane traffic controller suffered life-threatening injuries, including a serious head injury, fractured hip, broken ribs, collarbone, and leg after being hit by a car while setting up cones.
Nationally, over 230 injury claims were lodged in Queensland alone in 2013/14, many from similar strikes.
Crushing and Rollovers: Traffic controllers are often crushed between vehicles or by tipping trailers. A 2022 incident in Wahring, Victoria, saw a 64-year-old worker fatally crushed by a gravel-unloading trailer.
Musculoskeletal Injuries: Prolonged standing, repetitive arm signals, and manual handling of signs lead to strains in shoulders (20% of claims) and backs.
Fatigue from long shifts exacerbates these issues.
Other Hazards: Exposure to weather, poor lighting, and aggressive drivers contributes to slips, trips, and psychological stress. A 10-year Safe Work Australia study ranked traffic controllers highest in truck-related fatalities for workers on foot.
These injuries not only affect individuals but also burden the economy, with Queensland claims costing $2.6 million annually in 2013/14.
Statistics on Traffic Controller Injuries in Australia and Victoria Australia-wide, road trauma claims thousands of lives and hospitalisations yearly, with transport accidents being a top cause of injury hospitalisations (over 400,000 in Victoria alone).
For traffic controllers specifically:
In Victoria, WorkSafe investigations reveal a pattern of vehicle strikes and equipment failures, with at least five fatalities since 2022.
Nationally, the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) notes rising road trauma trends, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
Safety Regulations for Traffic Management in Australia and Victoria Australia's framework is governed by Safe Work Australia's model WHS laws, requiring PCBUs to manage traffic risks through elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and PPE controls.
In Victoria, key regulations include:
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act): Mandates hazard identification and risk controls for temporary traffic management (TTM).
Road Management Act 2004: Enforces the Code of Practice for Worksite Safety - Traffic Management, updated in 2023 to align with Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM).
This requires traffic management plans (TMPs), safe work method statements (SWMS), and isolation from traffic.
Road Safety (Traffic Management) Regulations 2019: Covers signage, barriers, and controller positioning to prevent struck-by incidents.
Training Requirements: Controllers must complete RIIWHS205E (Control traffic with stop-slow bat) and RIIWHS302E (Implement traffic management plans), with refreshers every two years.
VIC Roads Guidelines emphasize clear visibility and relief after 45-minute shifts.
Non-compliance, as in a 2023 Eastern Freeway fatality, can lead to charges under the OHS Act.
Preventing Injuries to Traffic Controllers: Best Practices Injury prevention for traffic controllers in Victoria and Australia relies on proactive measures aligned with the hierarchy of controls.
Key strategies include:
Elimination and Engineering Controls: Close roads or use detours to remove exposure; install barriers, bollards, and speed humps to separate workers from traffic.
Administrative Controls: Develop comprehensive TMPs and SWMS, including risk assessments for high-risk work.
Rotate shifts to combat fatigue, ensure clear sightlines (e.g., 90m for 60km/h zones), and conduct regular briefings.
PPE and Training: Mandate high-visibility gear, helmets, and retro-reflective vests. Mandatory training ensures controllers recognize hazards like arcing electricity or unstable ground.
Monitoring and Review: Use surveillance frameworks for compliance, as per Victoria's 2023 reforms.
Post-incident reviews and worker consultations help refine plans.
The Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 aims to halve road deaths by 2030, with a focus on worksite protections.
Employers achieving zero lost-time injuries, like First Nations Traffic Management, demonstrate success through rigorous safety cultures.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety for Traffic Controllers Injuries to traffic controllers in Australia and Victoria are a stark reminder of the dangers in road work environments, but they are preventable with robust regulations, training, and controls. By adhering to OHS standards, implementing effective traffic management plans, and fostering a culture of vigilance, we can protect these essential workers. If you're a traffic controller, employer, or road user, commit to safer practices today—report hazards, slow down in work zones, and advocate for better protections. For more on traffic controller training or regulations, visit WorkSafe Victoria or Safe Work Australia.
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