Our operations carry some inherent risk – particularly for our asphalt crews working on major roads and highways, near moving plant and traffic.
Earlier this year our APS Grey crew completed a Workers on Foot Toolbox talk during nightworks on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Under the bright lights and with traffic streaming by, the team completed the toolbox which aims to deepen worker understanding of the need for separate work and exclusion zones to keep workers on foot at distance from plant and traffic.
“Despite the tight access due to the traffic setup, the session proved to be highly beneficial for our crew,” said Jamie Theoharous, Asphalt senior supervisor. “It served as an excellent example for them to understand the distances required for our new two zones, High Risk Zone and Restricted Zone.”
During the Toolbox Talk, a Bobcat was used as a visual aid while the crew measured out the different zones. Initially, the crew were asked to estimate the zones, before measuring them accurately.
“It was crucial for us to involve different crew members in setting out these zones, which allowed for a comprehensive understanding,” Jamie said.
“One key takeaway from the session was the importance of passing this information through to traffic controllers, particularly surveyors who are often the ones most likely to infringe upon these zones. By ensuring they have a clear understanding of the designated zones, we can mitigate potential risks more effectively with our contractors.”
Asphalt Executive General Manager Tim Richards said the Worker on Foot program, rolled out nationally across the asphalt team has been received positively by our people and contractors.
