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Safe Work Instruction
Driving and Working
Near Traffic
SWI –07
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH
TASK
BEING HIT BY MOVING TRAFFIC
POOR DRIVING
LACK OF CONCENTRATION
CAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
FATALITY
Working near Traffic
Be aware of your surroundings
 Working near traffic for extended periods of time can cause
you to
become complacent to the danger around you from moving
traffic
 Continually remind yourself and your fellow workers of the
dangers to which we are exposed.
Remain Alert
 Do not allow yourself or a fellow worker to become distracted
 If you need to walk near traffic always have the oncoming traffic facing you, do
not walk with your back to the traffic
 Do not have any music and earplugs in at any time, hearing warnings and horns
are vital to your safety
 Do not attempt to talk on the phone when you are working near or around
traffic, remove yourself to a safe place away from all traffic if you need to talk
on the phone
Obey all road rules
 If you need to cross the road, cross at the crossing when the
pedestrian lights activate
 Walk do not run
 Do not attempt to cross the road in high traffic areas at any time without using
the designated pedestrian crossing area
Personal Protective Wear:
 Wear reflective vests, and / or hi visibility clothing at all times when working
near or around traffic
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Safe Work Instruction
Driving and Working
Near Traffic
SWI –07
 Consider the need for reflective strips if you work at night or in poor visibility
areas,
 If winter or rain gear is worn make sure that the Hi Visibility clothing / vest is
always be the outermost garment
Safe Driving Control Measures
Carry out a pre-start Check
 Always check around the vehicle for hazards, obstructions etc.
 Check the tyres if they look low then you may need to check the pressure and
inflate to the correct pressure as specified by the tyre
manufacturer
 Make sure all lights and warning devices are working correctly
 Adjust your seating position, mirrors etc to suit your individual
needs
Operating the vehicle
 Always wear seat belts at all times when travelling in a moving vehicle
 Always observe the road safety rules
 Ensure you have a valid driver’s licence
 Drive defensively
 Ensure you are not under influence of alcohol or drugs.
 Avoid driving when fatigued
 Be familiar with your vehicle and its capabilities
 Do not offer rides to strangers or hitchhikers when driving a
company vehicle
 Do not smoke in the work vehicle at any time
 Do not attempt to read a road map or any other paperwork whilst in motion
Phone call while driving
 Make driving your first priority, remain focused on the driving, not
the phone call
 Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations, these can
seriously impair or affect your behaviour, concentration and driving
skills
 Use a hands-free device if you take a call while driving
 Avoid taking notes or looking up phone numbers while driving
 Ensure mobile phones are turned off when refuelling
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Loading and unloading the vehicle
Always secure the load, double check the ratchets / ropes to ensure the load is
secure and safe to travel
Ensure that doors and tailgates are securely shut
If your load extends past the ends of the vehicle then you must have a marker to
highlight the load ends - check with your state or territory requirements for the
legal distance
The driver of the vehicle is responsible for the load, always consider if the load
is safe and will not shift whilst driving
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XXX Company Staff Sign off I, the undersigned have read and understood the Safe Driving and
Working Near Traffic safety instruction and the general safety controls
that are recommended when I am involved in any Safe driving and
working near traffic task.
I also understand that I must conduct a risk assessment prior to any
safe driving and working near traffic activity.
I also understand that I must inform my employer if I lose my licence
and must not operate a vehicle without a valid licence.
Name
Signature
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Signature