The Role of Pedestrian Management in Preventing On-Site Workplace Injuries

Workplace safety is a priority in any operational environment, especially where vehicles, machinery, and pedestrian traffic intersect. In Victoria, Australia, the responsibility to safeguard vulnerable road users—including pedestrians, school children, the elderly, and individuals with mobility impairments—has never been more critical. Implementing an effective Pedestrian Management Plan is not only a best practice but a legal requirement in many scenarios. Barleys, a trusted name in traffic management services, understands the complexities and compliance standards involved in ensuring that mobile worksites are safe for everyone.

This blog explores how proper pedestrian management contributes to the prevention of on-site workplace injuries, aligns with Victorian traffic laws, and supports a safe, compliant, and efficient work environment.

Why Pedestrian Management Matters on Worksites

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable users in and around worksites, particularly where roadways are altered or shared paths are obstructed. Inadequate separation of pedestrian routes from heavy equipment or moving vehicles creates significant hazards. In Victoria, regulations outlined by Austroads and referenced in the Guide to Temporary Traffic Management stress the importance of planning and infrastructure that considers the full spectrum of pedestrian needs.

A structured Pedestrian Management Plan provides:

A designated, obstruction-free path for pedestrians
Barrier systems to prevent pedestrian-vehicle conflict
Clear signage and temporary signals
Safe detours with adequate width (minimum 1.8 m where possible)
Provisions for those with vision, mobility, or cognitive impairments

Failure to manage pedestrian flow properly not only increases the risk of injury but can result in legal penalties for non-compliance.

Understanding Victoria’s Legal Framework for Pedestrian Safety

In Victoria, the implementation of pedestrian traffic management is governed by multiple regulatory frameworks, including Austroads guidelines and local council directives such as those in the City of Hume. These frameworks emphasise the need for inclusive planning that protects all users, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Key legal considerations include:

Provision of safe pedestrian paths where footpaths are blocked
Use of traffic controllers when permanent crossing infrastructure is unavailable
Minimum clearance of 1.2 m from pedestrian paths to traffic lanes, unless traffic speeds are reduced
Mandatory use of road safety barrier systems for high-speed environments (≥70 km/h)

A Pedestrian Management Plan must incorporate these rules to be both effective and compliant.

Core Components of a Pedestrian Management Plan

A robust Pedestrian Management Plan addresses site-specific challenges while adhering to legal requirements. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it requires an on-the-ground assessment and custom strategies.

Essential components include:

Temporary Footpaths: These must be firm, smooth, and ideally 1.8 m wide, with no trip hazards
Illumination: Paths should be well-lit, especially at night, to prevent falls or confusion
Crossing Facilities: Temporary crossings must mimic the functionality of permanent ones, including tactile paving and audible signals
Signage and Markings: Clear and highly visible
Traffic Controllers: Especially in school zones or areas with high pedestrian volume

Implementing a well-designed Pedestrian Management Plan ensures the workspace is navigable, safe, and transparent for all road users.

Managing High-Risk Areas and Vulnerable Users

Some zones demand additional precautions, especially when dealing with vulnerable pedestrian groups. Children, the elderly, and people with cognitive limitations often require physical guidance or controlled crossing points.

Best practices include:

Refuges: Safe zones in the middle of crossings for two-lane roads
Containment Fences: These prevent access to hazardous areas
Visual Aids and Messages: Like “LOOK BOTH WAYS” for sites converted to two-way traffic
Pedestrian Mazes: To restrict and control where pedestrians cross
Escort Services: Via traffic controllers during peak times

A thoughtfully developed Pedestrian Management Plan accounts for these specifics, reinforcing a culture of safety on-site.

Addressing Changes in Traffic Conditions

Mobile or temporary worksites often alter the usual traffic conditions. This may include lane reductions, parking bans, or temporary two-way traffic conversions. Each of these changes requires additional planning to accommodate pedestrian safety.

Strategic responses may include:

Speed Reduction: Limit speeds to 40 km/h or less in pedestrian-heavy areas
Alternate Routes: Detours that avoid traffic lanes altogether
Shared Space Management: Ensuring cyclists and pedestrians aren’t directed into live traffic without protection
Controlled Access: Only permitting pedestrian traffic when a controller is available

When footpaths or shared paths must be closed, a compliant Pedestrian Management Plan ensures safe, clearly defined alternatives are in place.

Temporary Structures and Infrastructure Requirements

Where site constraints make it impossible to maintain existing pedestrian facilities, temporary infrastructure becomes essential. This includes ramps, bridges, overhead shelters, and raised walkways.

Infrastructure must meet the following criteria:

Accessibility: Ramps and paths must be suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and strollers
Lighting: Adheres to AS 1158.4 standards
Protective Structures: If there is a risk of falling debris
Proximity to Original Routes: Temporary paths should be as close to the original as practical

A comprehensive Pedestrian Management Plan ensures all temporary measures uphold the same level of safety and functionality as the facilities they replace.

Integrating Pedestrian Management into Broader Traffic Control

Pedestrian management is only one part of an effective Traffic Management Plan. Integrating pedestrian considerations into the broader plan enhances safety for all road users and improves site efficiency.

This integration includes:

Site Layout Planning: Minimum pedestrian exposure to vehicle routes
Staging and Phasing: Aligning pedestrian movements with construction phases
Communication Systems: For traffic controllers and workers
Regular Audits and Updates: To ensure ongoing compliance

Using Barleys’ expertise, you can develop a holistic Pedestrian Management Plan that meshes seamlessly with vehicle and cyclist traffic control systems.

Prioritising Pedestrian Safety in Every Project

In Victoria, the need for detailed, compliant, and effective pedestrian safety planning cannot be overstated. Whether it’s a small-scale mobile work zone or a long-term infrastructure project, a Pedestrian Management Plan ensures that pedestrian access is maintained safely, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

Barleys is committed to delivering traffic solutions that align with Victorian regulations and community expectations. From traffic management planning to on-site execution, Barleys is your trusted partner in building safer worksites for everyone.