WorkSafe’s Construction & Utilities Program conducted a compliance blitz during May 2004 focussed on roadside worksite activities. Upon completion of this blitz it was noted that there were many roadside worksite issues outstanding, this being confirmed by stakeholder feedback. Phase one of the Safety for Workers and Traffic (SWAT) Campaign was completed between 5 October 2004 and 5 April 2005. Phase two of the SWAT Campaign was completed over a twelve month period from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006. This report summarises phases one and two of the SWAT Campaign. The campaign was lead by the WorkSafe Construction & Utilities Program and involved inspectors from all WorkSafe operational divisions. The campaign has involved over 2,200 inspector field visits, both planned and opportunistic, as well as working with stakeholder groups to promote good worksite practice, and the production of training information and resources. Unfortunately during phase one of the campaign, one roadside worksite death was added to the WorkSafe fatalities register. This worker was recovering a vehicle from the side of the road when he was fatally injured. Stakeholder feedback and support for the campaign, and focus on roadside worksite safety issues, has been positive. SWAT issues are now ‘business as usual’ for WorkSafe inspectors and will be so in to the future. (Author/publisher)
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