New initiative aimed at enhancing safety of Victorian road workers launched

New Initiative Aimed at Enhancing Safety of Victorian Road Workers Launched

A new road safety initiative has been released by the Victorian government, calling on drivers to reduce speed, practice patience, and demonstrate respect whenever they encounter road workers on Victoria's roads.

Statistics indicate roadworkers experience verbal assaults roughly once weekly and will encounter one motorist who refuses to stop every two weeks.

Why This Road Safety Program Matters

The campaign, titled 'We're People Too', aims to raise awareness among drivers regarding the significant impact their behaviour can have on the physical and mental well-being of road workers across Victoria. In certain cases, such actions may lead to fatal outcomes.

Spanning from Sunday, 3 November, to New Year's Eve, this initiative will be disseminated across multiple media platforms. It showcases four Victorian roadworkers who share insights into their lives beyond duties performed roadside.

Supporting a Safer Roadside Environment

This effort aligns with broader commitments outlined in the Victorian road safety action plan, reinforcing protections for workers who face daily risks while performing essential infrastructure duties.

Employers within construction, utilities, and transport sectors should review current safe work practices, including documentation such as a road safety barrier installation SWMS, to ensure compliance alongside this awareness push.

Similar safety-focused initiatives have emerged in related sectors — for example, the new health and safety guide for NSW road freight transport industry and the new scaffolding industry safety standard, both reflecting a growing national focus on protecting frontline workers.

Read more here.