WorkSafe WA has released a new Code of Practice: Road and Traffic Management at Western Australian Mines, providing comprehensive guidance for mine operators and businesses responsible for managing road and traffic hazards within mining environments.
The new Code is an approved code of practice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and has been developed to assist duty holders in managing the significant risks associated with mobile plant, vehicles, road infrastructure and pedestrian interactions at mine sites.
This publication is an important milestone for the Western Australian resources sector, bringing together practical guidance on road design, traffic management systems, vehicle operations, mobile plant interactions, parking facilities, emergency management and ongoing monitoring and review.
Specifically Targeted at Mining Operations
It is important to note that this Code has been developed specifically for Western Australian mine sites and should be considered within the context of mining operations and mine safety management systems.
- The Code provides guidance on:
- Developing and implementing Traffic Management Plans (TMPs)
- Managing risks associated with mobile plant operations
- Road design and haul road standards
- Vehicle and pedestrian separation
- Traffic control systems and signage
- Parking and vehicle movement areas
- Principal Mining Hazard (PMH) management requirements
- Monitoring, auditing and continual improvement processes
A key focus throughout the document is the management of interactions between:
- Heavy vehicles and light vehicles
- Mobile plant and pedestrians
- Mobile plant and fixed infrastructure
- Different categories of plant and equipment operating within mining environments
Strengthening Mine Safety Management Systems
The Code reinforces the requirement for mine operators and other duty holders to apply a structured risk management approach when planning and managing road and traffic activities. It promotes the integration of traffic management controls into the broader Mine Safety Management System (MSMS) and Principal Mining Hazard Management Plans required under Western Australian WHS legislation.
The publication highlights four key elements that should be considered when managing traffic risks:
- Systems and procedures
- Roads and infrastructure
- Users, operators and pedestrians
- Vehicles and mobile equipment
By addressing all four elements together, mine operators can create safer work environments and reduce the likelihood of serious vehicle-related incidents.
What Mining Companies Should Do Next
The release of this Code provides an excellent opportunity for mining organisations to review their existing traffic management arrangements and assess alignment with current expectations.
Organisations should consider:
- Reviewing existing Traffic Management Plans and apply updates to align to the new CoP requirements
- Assessing vehicle and pedestrian separation controls
- Evaluating road and haul road design standards
- Reviewing mobile plant operating procedures
- Checking training and competency requirements
- Updating risk assessments and control measures where required
- Ensuring monitoring and audit processes remain effective
For mine operators, contractors and service providers operating on mine sites, early review of current systems may assist in identifying opportunities to strengthen safety performance and demonstrate compliance with legislative obligations.
Access the New Code of Practice
The full publication is available from WorkSafe WA:
Important Note
This Code of Practice applies specifically to road and traffic management within Western Australian mining operations. Existing Main Roads Western Australia Code of Practice requirements relating to works on gazetted roads remain in place and are unaffected by the release of this mining-specific Code. Organisations undertaking traffic management on public road networks should continue to comply with relevant Main Roads WA requirements and approvals.
How AusQ Training Can Help
At AusQ Training, we closely monitor changes to legislation, approved codes of practice and industry guidance affecting the safety, resources and construction sectors across Western Australia.
Our team can assist organisations to:
- Understand new regulatory guidance
- Design or Review Traffic Management Plans and procedures
- Build workforce competency through targeted training
- Strengthen safety leadership and risk management capability
- Improve compliance outcomes through practical, workplace-focused learning
Stay Informed
Industry guidance and safety requirements continue to evolve across Western Australia.
To stay informed about traffic management, worksite safety, and industry updates, visit our Latest News page regularly.
If you’re looking to strengthen your team’s traffic management knowledge or require accredited training, explore our upcoming traffic management courses and view available course dates on our training calendar.
- Do we need to update our Traffic Management Plan?
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Are our supervisors and workers adequately trained for traffic management?
- Have we effectively separated vehicles and pedestrians?
- Would our current systems stand up to regulatory scrutiny?
