In the past two years, over 230 Australians were killed while at work and doing their jobs, almost half of that number were employees in the transport, postal and warehousing and construction sectors, according to Safe Work Australia. What these figures don’t account for, are the near misses and injuries sustained by workers. Technology can help make these incidents more preventable.

Temporary traffic controllers are critical to managing the safe passage of vehicles through a roadworks site. Traffic control workers, whether working on busy highways, country roads or large private sites are putting their lives at risk every day to keep others safe. The number of speeding vehicles, distracted drivers and heavy machinery they deal with on a daily basis can be up to 10,000 vehicles in an eight-hour period. For this reason, it is important for traffic controllers to be able to carry out their duties in a safer environment by removing them from the roadside where possible.

Traditionally to control traffic, STOP/SLOW bats are used by workers, but this requires controllers to be next to or directly on the road. These signs can be dangerous for a number of reasons: the first being traffic controllers are directly in the line of fire of incoming traffic and secondly being hard to see, as visibility from a distance in large vehicles and machinery is often to blame for incidents. STOP/SLOW signs expose traffic controllers to speeding or careless drivers. Relocating the operator from busy roadways removes the greatest risk of injury or death.

The best way to remove workers out of harm’s way without compromising effectiveness is to use a portable traffic light (PTL). The Portable Traffic Light uses smart and innovative technology to enhance visibility, making it safe and efficient for traffic control operators. Controllers can easily control the temporary traffic lights with a Handheld Remote Control (HRC) at a safe distance from traffic.

In an interview with traffic control manager Greg, he says “Keeping my workers safe is the most important thing to me. That’s why I love using the portable traffic lights, because they are simple and easy to learn and make it that much safer for me, my team and other workers we are protecting. This happens by not just by removing us from the roadside, but out of the sun so we are able to stay alert to manage the traffic in the safest and most efficient way we can.”

With Transport Authorities all over the country campaigning for more regulations and awareness for safety around traffic controllers, implementing a portable traffic signal is a simple and definitive way to reduce the risks surrounding the work of traffic controllers. Whilst these devices can require an upfront investment, you can’t put a price on the safety and life of a person.

Madison Technologies’ Portable Traffic Light is ITS Approved in QLD and WA with more states to come. If you would like more information on the PTL, please visit call us on 1800 72 79 79 or request a quote on one of the PTL products here.