The NT Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) will enter a $1.3 million enforceable undertaking with NT WorkSafe after an allegation of non-compliance with road safety standards.
The enforceable undertaking forms part of a legal action following a fatal road accident in Darwin in 2016.
NT WorkSafe alleged that a traffic diversion setup for the Tiger Brennan Drive duplication was not in accordance with an approved traffic control diagram nor with Australian Standards.
As a result of the accident, NT WorkSafe charged DIPL with failing to comply with their health and safety duties contrary to Section 32 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act.
An enforceable undertaking was also accepted in August 2019 from contractor BMD Constructions who were responsible for management of the road works.
The proposed activities in the enforceable undertaking include:
- Employ dedicated staff in Road Operations to ensure better scrutiny of sub-contractor’s traffic management plans and guidance schemes in an auditing capacity
- Upskill DIPL staff who deal with construction contracts with respect to better understanding legal obligations
- Establish a Panel Contract for Auditing of Work Zone Traffic Management by independent WZ1 accredited road safety auditors
- Review and update permit requirements and standards specification for Road construction and maintenance in relation to barriers, line marking removal, night lighting and positioning of variable message signs to improve clarity and safety for road users
- Implement campaigns to improve road safety and awareness at traffic management locations
- Fund a ‘Driving through roadwork zones’ module for the DriveAbout app and a learner-licensing app designed to help new road users pass the Learner Permit test
Details of the DIPL enforceable undertaking is available here.
