Reducing work zone risks and increasing efficiency

The shift from the prescriptive Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management (CoPTTM) to the new NZ Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM) marked a fundamental change in how work zones are managed.

Historically, Temporary Traffic Management companies were typically just seen as ‘service providers’, however now that we are operating in a risk-based paradigm Traffic Safe NZ has repositioned ourselves as your work zone risk management partner. This is simply because we can now leverage our experience and expertise to provide tailored risk-based methodologies that both enhance safety and improve efficiency. 

So how do we do this?

Smart risk-based planning

We start with a robust risk assessment to help identify and mitigate the potential hazards of the work zone. This includes identifying each risk and then to implement the necessary controls to mitigate each risk effectively and efficiently. This is a collaborate approach with all the PCBUs involved being consulted for input and feedback.

From here, we formulate and compile the risk-based Traffic Management Plan (TMP). Our TMP plans sets out the optimal methodology to be followed on site, mitigate the risk posed by hazards related to each specific site and meet your obligations under the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015.

When developing our risk management strategies, we consider several factors within the work zone including – 

• Environmental risks – including weather conditions such as low visibility etc.
• Worker risks – how to protect everyone on site – from avoiding vehicle strikes to protection from frustrated members from the public.
• Driver risks – considering speed zones and ensuring layouts are clear and therefore reduce driver error.
• Road risks – road conditions, traffic volume.

We then ensure that each work zone plan is tailored to effectively and efficiently mitigate the risk posed by the specific site and work activities, implementing the appropriate controls to address each risk. This leads to right-sizing the resource required (people, and equipment) to deliver the optimal methodology. ‘Right-sizing” the TTM means not having unnecessary resources on site – they pose additional unnecessary costs and risk.

Because a risk-based approach depends on the context of the site, we like to start this process by engaging with all parties as early as possible. It then means less back and forth and last-minute traffic management plan (TMP) revisions – also saving you time and money.

Removing redundant work zones

We can now stop "redundant" work zones where equipment is left out but no work is happening or where an area, such as a buffer zone, is no longer required. This has several benefits -

• It makes your worksite more effective as it can increase the actual workspace you have by removing un-necessary TTM equipment.
• Sites with less equipment can be set up and packed down quicker.
• Costs are reduced by cutting down the requirements for the TTM equipment and people needed to manage the work zone. In fact, recent data from NZTA shows that traffic management costs dropped from 15.9% to 9.9% of project spending in just one quarter after switching to risk-based guidelines.
• In addition it can help to make the work zone safer by reducing driver frustration in seeing cones but no work being done, therefore increasing compliance when TTM is actually present.

Safer work zones and greater efficiencies

All in all, the new risk management approach means safer work zones and greater efficiencies, through the optimal deployment of risk management controls and a more workable way for you to get your project done.