The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) has introduced the National Worker on Foot Awareness online course, a specialised program that exemplifies the organisation’s dedication to improving safety protocols and ensuring a secure work environment for all individuals on site.
Across the road construction and maintenance sector, safety is not just a priority – it’s a foundational commitment, particularly when working in close proximity to mobile plant and equipment. Recent data highlights the critical need for enhanced safety measures and training for workers on foot near these powerful machines.
The demand for improved safety training is underscored by statistics from Safe Work Australia, revealing a concerning pattern: mobile plant and equipment are disproportionately involved in hazardous incidents on construction sites.
The AfPA said that in the 2021-22 financial year, 3840 serious claims were linked to mobile plant machinery, including 10 fatalities.
These figures demonstrate the necessity for targeted, high-quality safety training and effective protocols tailored to the risks associated with mobile plant operations. This course meets that need head-on.
Mobile plant machinery is integral to road construction and maintenance projects, including equipment such as excavators, graders, profilers, pavers, and rollers.
The size, movement, and operational complexity of these machines introduce substantial risks for workers on foot.
The congested and dynamic nature of construction sites further amplifies these risks, posing challenges in visibility and communication between workers and machinery operators.
AfPA’s course addresses these challenges directly, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations.
Workers on foot are particularly vulnerable to accidents such as being struck by moving machinery, run over, or injured by falling objects.
Given the dynamic nature of construction sites, it is imperative for workers to be well-versed in safety protocols and to remain vigilant about their surroundings.
The National Worker on Foot Awareness Course is an opportunity to invest in the safety and well-being of a workforce, reducing risk and potentially saving lives.
The primary goal of the course is incident prevention. It includes strategies for establishing safe zones around mobile plant machinery, conducting regular safety checks, and implementing site-specific safety protocols.
The AfPA is the peak body for the multi-billion dollar flexible pavement industry in Australia.
For over 50 years, AfPA has represented the flexible pavement industry to lead safety, sustainability, innovation, knowledge and collaboration outcomes unified voice on the advancement of flexible pavement technology for the benefit of all road users.