Critical Risks and Controls
As a Melbourne-based road resurfacing company, we recognise that our operations involve high-risk activities where the interaction of people, plant, live traffic, and the environment must be carefully controlled. We have identified the following critical risks and implemented robust control measures to protect our employees, subcontractors, residents, the public, and the environment.
Plant and People (Employees, Residents, Contractors, and the Public)
The interface between people and plant is one of the most significant risks in road resurfacing. Workers, subcontractors, and members of the public may be exposed to moving machinery if strict controls are not maintained.
Controls:
- Clear separation of people and machinery through exclusion zones, barriers, and physical delineation.
- Daily SWMS reviews and sign-off by all site crews, with particular emphasis on environmental and safety hazards.
- Induction and verification of competency for all workers and subcontractors before commencing work.
- Spotters assigned for high-risk manoeuvres such as reversing trucks or working near live edges.
- Advance notification and engagement with residents to ensure public awareness and safe access around worksites.
Live Traffic
Working adjacent to or within live traffic environments presents a serious hazard. Vehicles travelling at speed can pose risks to both workers and plant if not effectively controlled.
Controls:
- Comprehensive traffic management plans designed in line with VicRoads, council, and contractual requirements.
- Deployment of accredited traffic controllers, crash-attenuator trucks, and portable traffic signals.
- High-visibility signage, lighting, and variable message boards placed well in advance of work areas.
- Work staging to minimise exposure time and ensure safe traffic flows around work zones.
- Regular monitoring and adjustment of traffic management measures to suit site conditions and traffic volumes.
Moving Plant (Skid Steers, Attachments, Steel Rollers, Multi Rollers, Trucks, Profile Planers, Asphalt Pavers, Watercarts)
The operation of heavy machinery in a confined and fast-paced environment is a critical risk. Multiple machines often operate simultaneously, creating hazards such as collisions, entrapment, rollovers, and struck-by incidents.
Controls:
- Clearly defined travel paths and operating zones to prevent conflicts between machinery types.
- Pre-start plant inspections and strict compliance with manufacturer safe operating procedures.
- Mandatory use of reversing alarms, flashing beacons, and two-way radios for situational awareness.
- Spotters and “one-way” truck flows to minimise reversing when feeding asphalt into pavers.
- Competency-based training and licensing for each specific plant type and attachment.
- Strict site speed limits and prohibition of unauthorised personnel within operating zones.
- Regular toolbox talks reinforcing key risks and safe behaviours when working around plant.
Environmental Risks (Emissions, Spills, Noise, Dust, and Waste)
Environmental management is critical to the sustainability of our operations and our compliance with ISO 14001. Key risks include emissions from plant, hydrocarbon or emulsion spills, dust generation, excessive noise, and improper handling of waste materials.
Controls:
- Use of low-emission equipment, environmentally friendly release agents, and regular maintenance to minimise emissions.
- Spill containment procedures, including bunded storage for liquids, spill kits on all sites, and immediate response protocols.
- Dust suppression through watercarts and scheduled wetting down of surfaces to protect both workers and the community.
- Noise management plans, scheduling of works at appropriate times, and use of equipment fitted with noise-reduction features.
- Segregation, recycling, and correct disposal of waste materials such as asphalt, packaging, and fuel containers.
- Daily review of environmental hazards during SWMS sign-off, highlighted in green to reinforce their importance.
Demonstrating Leadership in Safety and Sustainability
Through these initiatives, we not only meet regulatory and contractual requirements but also demonstrate leadership in adopting safe, sustainable, and responsible practices. By embedding strong risk management, engaging with the community, and maintaining a culture of accountability, we ensure our resurfacing operations protect people, safeguard the environment, and deliver projects to the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.