The following road safety and vehicle technology research projects and trials have been undertaken in recent years through the road construction industry in conjunction with the Australian flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) to improve the safety of roadworkers in road construction. These initiatives focus on mitigating key risk areas in the road construction industry including plant and people interaction and traffic and worker interaction. If the abstract is successful as a viable option for the forum, the intent would be to talk to all initiatives as a short presentation package.
- Trial and fitment of Speed Awareness Monitor (SAM) Boards to Road Pavers at roadworks to alert road users of their compliance to their speed throughout the worksite and to increase the safety of roadworkers.
- Trial and implementation of Proximity Detection Systems to high movement equipment (bobcats / rollers) to alert operators when workers on foot are within close proximity. This initiative benefits both safety and production efficiency.
- Trial and fitment of a Hands-Free Two-Way Communications System in high movement equipment (e.g. bobcats) that allows workers to communicate via two-way without removing their hands from the plants hand controls. This initiative benefits both safety and production efficiency.
- Trial and implementation of Luminous Safety Vests and Hard Hat Halos to better illuminate workers on foot at roadworks. This initiative benefits the safety of workers on foot and raises awareness to other roadworkers and members of the public.
- Trial and implementation of an Audible ‘Hoon Alert’ that provides an audible alert to the road crew of approaching vehicles that are over speed. This allows worker to take evasive action as required. This initiative benefits the safety of workers on foot and raises awareness to other roadworkers and members of the public.
