Safety First at Roadworks: The Queensland Experience

This paper reports on the research and practices happening in Queensland to address safety around road works to benefit road workers and road users. The paper reports on internal initiatives, programs and practices being applied in Main Roads, as well as research and development currently underway to address safety at road works. It examines external safety awareness-raising and marketing initiatives aimed at road users, about the impacts of their driving behavior on themselves and road workers. The Queensland Government is committed to a significant road construction program that will contribute to social, economic and environmental outcomes for Queenslanders. Roads are worksites and few worksites present the multitude of risks as do road construction projects. Main Roads is tasked with delivering the road construction program, and has a responsibility to ensure the safety of road workers and road users while maintaining safe traffic flows. Workplace health and safety at worksites is a key priority for Main Roads to ensure the safety of road workers, contractors, road users and adjacent communities is maintained. Road users also have a responsibility to drive responsibly to suit the changed road conditions around road works.