In recent years, the approach to Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) in New Zealand has been evolving, driven by a growing understanding that safety measures should not be one-size-fits-all but rather tailored to the specific risks of each situation. This shift marks a significant departure from the traditional, prescriptive methods that have long dominated the field. Today, as we step into a new era of TTM in NZ, it’s important to understand the key differences between the traditional approach and the emerging risk-based TTM methods that are increasingly recognised as the future of work zone safety in NZ.
Traditional TTM: A Standardised Approach
Traditional TTM has relied heavily on standardised procedures and templates, which are applied uniformly across different types of worksites. This approach, while offering consistency, often overlooks the unique challenges presented by individual environments. For instance, under this system, the same set of TTM measures might be applied to a quiet suburban street as would be to a busy motorway. While this ensures compliance with established guidelines, it can lead to inefficiencies and, at times, either over- or under-management of risks.
This standardised approach, although effective in providing a clear framework, has its limitations. It does not always account for the dynamic and varied nature of real-world situations. In practice, this could mean that low-risk sites are burdened with unnecessary controls, or high-risk sites are not given the level of attention they truly need. The result is a system that may inadvertently compromise safety or lead to inefficiencies that disrupt traffic flow more than necessary.
Risk-Based TTM: A Tailored Safety Strategy
In contrast, risk-based TTM is built on the premise that each worksite is unique, requiring a tailored approach to traffic management. This method starts with a comprehensive risk assessment, considering factors such as traffic volume, speed, road layout, weather conditions, and the nature of the work being performed. The goal is to develop a TTM plan that directly addresses the specific hazards identified, rather than relying on generic templates.
Imagine a scenario where work is being carried out well off the road with minimal risk factors—perhaps routine maintenance on roadside equipment in a quiet area with very low traffic volumes. In this case, the best approach might be to limit the footprint of the work as much as possible, including minimising the use of TTM measures. Introducing unnecessary controls near the road could actually increase the risk by drawing attention to an otherwise low-risk situation and extending the time needed to complete the work.
On the other hand, consider a busy motorway environment where the risks are significantly higher due to high-speed, multi-lane traffic. Here, a risk-based approach would likely necessitate more sophisticated measures, such as the use of mobile vehicles fitted with truck-mounted attenuators. These attenuators would provide an isolated protective zone around the worksite, effectively shielding workers from the dangers posed by the fast-moving traffic. This targeted approach ensures that the level of intervention is proportionate to the actual risks present, thereby enhancing both safety and efficiency.
Why the Shift?
The shift towards risk-based TTM is driven by clear evidence that the current approach may be falling short. Over the years, we’ve seen that the traditional, prescriptive methods often lead to both over-prescribing and under-prescribing safety measures. In some situations, low-risk environments are subjected to excessive controls, which not only increase costs and extend project timelines but can also introduce new risks. On the other hand, high-risk areas may not receive the level of protection they truly need, leaving both workers and road users at greater risk.
Moreover, despite the fact that we are generally using more TTM measures across the country, our safety performance has actually worsened. Over the past 20 years, the harm rate at TTM sites has steadily increased, outpacing the overall rate of road-related harm. This troubling trend suggests that simply adding more TTM is not the answer—more is not better. Instead, it’s a clear indication that our current system needs a fundamental change in approach to ensure safety measures are properly aligned with the specific risks of each situation.
Conclusion
As we transition into this new era of TTM in NZ, it’s clear that risk-based TTM is not just a trend but a necessary evolution in how we manage traffic around worksites through ‘right-sized TTM’. By moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and embracing a more nuanced and risk-specific strategy, New Zealand is paving the way for a safer, more efficient, and more effective traffic management system. To know about what you should do as an employer to adapt to the changes in the TTM Industry Click here.
