WorkSafe QLD have been conducting a campaign which started in 2011 focusing on mobile plant (particularly in relation to workers interaction with plant) and construction housekeeping practices. WorkSafe QLD report that since 2009, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors have been auditing the use of mobile plant and construction house-keeping practices (access and egress, storage, waste management). Last year, WHSQ was part of a national campaign assessing the management of risks arising from work on or near public roads.
WorkSafe QLD report that compensation claims data was used as a starting point to identify issues, leading to the development of an assessment tool after consultation with industry.
With the campaign concluding in June, WorkSafe QLD report that early analysis reveals that most audited contractors had the correct documentation in place - for example, a safe work method statement that identified the relevant hazards and suitable controls, or a traffic management plan that complied with the Traffic Management for Construction of Maintenance Code of Practice 2008 and the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. However, a significant number failed to comply with their own documentation - controls that had been documented on the safe work method statement or in the traffic management plan had not been implemented on-site.
More information on the campaign and results can be found at: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
WorkSafe QLD report that a full analysis of the campaign results is being carried out and will be published later this year. Keep an eye on their website for the full report.