Keeping people safe with traffic management plans

Vehicle movements are a routine part of daily operations at most AgVet retail sites. Deliveries arrive throughout the day, customers collect products, and forklifts, high-reachers and other mobile plant are used to move stock around the premises. With a range of vehicles and pedestrians sharing the same workplace, a well-designed traffic management plan helps keep operations running safely and efficiently.

A traffic management plan sets out how vehicles and pedestrians will move around the site and helps everyone understand their responsibilities. It should consider the types of vehicles using the workplace, delivery and loading areas, parking locations, pedestrian walkways and any areas where vehicle and pedestrian movements may interact.

Every workplace is different, so traffic management plans should reflect the activities carried out on site. Reviewing vehicle movements as part of a risk assessment can help identify opportunities to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and create safer work areas.

Separating vehicles and pedestrians

One of the most effective ways to improve workplace safety is to minimise interaction between vehicles and pedestrians wherever practical. This may involve designated pedestrian walkways, clearly defined traffic routes, separate loading areas or scheduling deliveries and other activities at different times.

Where separation isn't possible, physical controls such as barriers, bollards, guard rails and pedestrian crossings can help create clear boundaries between people and moving vehicles.

Supporting safe vehicle movements

Traffic management plans should also consider the equipment and controls that support safe vehicle operation. Depending on the workplace, this may include reversing cameras, proximity sensors, mirrors, warning lights, speed limiting devices, speed humps and clearly marked traffic routes.

Clear signage, site rules, driver induction, worker training and effective supervision all help ensure everyone understands how traffic moves through the workplace and what is expected of them.

Keeping your plan up to date

Like any workplace procedure, a traffic management plan should be reviewed whenever site layouts, vehicle movements or business activities change. Regular reviews help ensure the plan continues to reflect how the workplace operates and provides an opportunity to identify improvements.

A well-planned traffic management system supports efficient site operations, provides clear direction for workers, contractors and visitors, and helps create a safer workplace for everyone.