There has been a recent temporary traffic management safety alert issued in relation to a collision between a motorcycle and grader. The fatal incident described below occurred during grading work on Indian Ocean Drive.
What Happened
On Thursday 9th March 2023 at approximately 13:30, a grader departed from the work zone travelling south on Indian Ocean Drive at 30 – 40km/h in a 110km/h zone.
Approximately 5km into the journey, a southbound member of public motorcycle collided with the rear of the grader on a straight section of road.
Sadly, the motorcycle rider died at the scene. The grader operator was taken for a precautionary assessment at the local medical centre. The grader sustained minor damage.
Indian Ocean Drive was closed within minutes by the project traffic controllers and the scene was preserved by first responders. Work Safe were notified of the incident. Emergency Services attended and investigations commenced.
Employees and contractors affected were encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Immediate Actions
Please note that these are generic actions for all to consider in relation to this critical risk (and is not reflective of this specific incident):
- Check Project Risk Assessments to ensure that risks have been identified and adequately controlled.
- Ensure Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are in place, adequately identify and control risks associated with tramming plant outside of work zones.
- Consider hierarchy of control – Floating Plant, Traffic Management, speed reductions, etc. and consider whether agreed controls are as low as reasonable practicable.
Summary
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of traffic management safety in work zones. The collision between a motorcycle and a grader on Indian Ocean Drive highlights the need for strict adherence to speed limits and effective control measures. As investigations into the incident continue, it is crucial for all projects to thoroughly assess risks, implement proper safety protocols, and regularly review and update risk assessments.
Employers should prioritise the well-being of their employees and contractors by offering support through programs like the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). By taking immediate actions to identify and control risks, such as considering the hierarchy of control measures and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented controls, similar accidents can be prevented in the future. Let us honour the memory of the motorcycle rider by striving to create safer work environments and ensuring that traffic management remains a top priority in all construction projects.
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