CCNZ and the Temporary Traffic Management Industry Steering Group joined forces throughout the year to bring clients, contractors, designers, road controlling authorities and suppliers together to discuss what the move to a risk-based approach to temporary traffic management means for the industry.
More than 1,000 people attended the 13 temporary traffic management (TTM) roadshows across the country, from Whangarei to Invercargill, to explore the new approach. The final roadshow took place in Gisborne last night.
The roadshows were an opportunity for the wider TTM industry to learn about what risk management is, what it means for traffic management and what needs to change when we’re planning work on or near the road.
CCNZ Technical Manager Michelle Farrell said the roadshows were 'hugely successful' as a way for everyone involved in TTM to understand how to work together in a less prescriptive approach.
"It’s a change in mindset as much as anything and it’s a time when we all need to work together. That means contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, clients and councils collaborating. We all have a responsibility to figure out the best way forward collectively, so people are safe, controls are effective and the job gets done smoothly."
The change from a prescriptive code of practice to a risk-based approach brings TTM into alignment with how risk is managed in the workplace under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Michelle said working near traffic was a high-risk activity, and should be managed as such, using health and safety systems, processes and documentation, respecting all players in the contracting chain and communicating well at all stages.
TTM layouts may not necessarily change under the new approach, but the way the industry, clients and suppliers approach the work and interact with each other would.
She said a massive amount of feedback had been received throughout the roadshows, and CCNZ and the TTM Industry Steering Group were now working through the feedback received from attendees to shape the next steps in supporting the industry, and findings would be presented through the TTM Industry Steering Group newsletter and website, along with more workshops and further guidance.
Overall, the most important change was around making good decisions that best managed risk. Success meant everyone involved in managing TTM sites was able to work together to make good decisions, with support and guidance from agencies such as WorkSafe and the New Zealand Transport Agency, she said.
"Work together, look out for each other and reach out if you need help moving forward."
Supporting resources
WorkSafe Guidance - Keeping healthy and safe while working on the road or roadside
The New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management
CCNZ Practice Note: Protecting Vulnerable Road Users in TTM Environments
MyTTM