What to look for
Selecting a Traffic Management Company
When selecting a traffic management company for your traffic management, traffic planning and traffic control requirements, then honesty, integrity, service and excellence are all essential components to consider.
The following criteria should be essential in your selection for the right traffic management company to minimise your risk.
Do they have ISO 9001 Quality Accreditation?
ISO 9001 accreditation provides you with a surety that the traffic management business has a Quality System (QS) that is recognised by International Standards. A Quality Accreditation System (QA) ensures a prescribed method of work, which provides systems to quantify and reduce risk, namely YOUR risk.
Do they have AS 4801 Occupational Health & Safety Accreditation (OH&S)?
AS 4801 OH&S accreditation provides you with the surety (particularly in the traffic management industry) that the company recognises the importance of an OH&S system, which is certified and able to be reliably duplicated. This third party accreditation is paramount for the traffic management industry.
Are they fully insured?
A comprehensive range of business insurance is required. A minimum $20m Public Liability, Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance and the relevant Workers’ Compensation gives you peace of mind should an accident occur. Reputable traffic management companies are happy to provide Certificates of Currency.
Is all their traffic management signage Class 1 reflective?
Traffic control companies that were in business prior to 2002 would have invested in Class 2 signage. These signs have now been phased out and are no longer legal for use on roads. In the event of an incident this could provide significant liability issues for YOU and your traffic management provider. As the principal contact you are liable for ensuring your signage, either temporary or permanent are compliant.
Are Safe Work Method Statements completed on every site?
Legislation requires that a Safe Work Method Statement must be completed on every traffic management site. Ask for a copy to satisfy that it meets legislation and your requirements.
Are job safety audits completed?
Audits are the best way to confirm that the worksite meets the required standards. Ask for a copy of the audits and how often they are completed.
Are their traffic controllers qualified?
If so, how many hold current qualifications. All personnel managing traffic must have a traffic control ticket. Ask for a copy or provide visual evidence of their traffic control qualification. Qualifications in traffic control will vary from state to state. It’s YOUR right to be informed who is on your site at any given moment when controlling traffic.
What vehicles do they run?
How old are they and are they maintained? Businesses that run vehicles older than 4 years are likely to experience mechanical issues. These issues can affect the efficiency of YOUR operation costing you time and money.
Do they use sub-contractors?
If so, how will this affect you? Ensure that the company you retain is the company actually doing the work. Subcontracting benefits the suppliers but exposes YOU. If a traffic incident occurs where your supplier subcontracted work, there are significant liability issues associated with insurance responsibilities.