Traffic worker critically injured after being struck by car on Gold Coast

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Traffic Worker Critically Injured After Being Struck by Car on Gold Coast

A traffic controller was critically injured after being hit by a car on the Gold Coast Wednesday afternoon. This latest safety news highlights ongoing concerns about worksite protection for roadside personnel.

The woman was controlling traffic at a construction site in Palm Beach when she was struck by the vehicle. As a traffic controller, her role involved directing vehicles safely around active works, a task that demands strict adherence to safe work method statements for traffic control duties.

The 39-year-old woman was conveyed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition. Her condition underscores how quickly a routine worksite task can turn dangerous without proper safety controls in place.

The Forensic Crash unit is investigating circumstances surrounding the incident, following standard protocol applied across Australia when workers face harm on active roadways.

Why Traffic Control Safety Matters

Traffic controllers occupy one of the most exposed positions on any construction site. Keeping workers safe requires constant vigilance, clear signage, and strict compliance with site-specific safety measures.

Similar incidents reported in safety news across the country reinforce why employers must prioritise robust risk assessments. For context, a teen worker was critically injured after being struck by a wooden sheet in Perth, while another Gold Coast man was hospitalised after being struck by a falling tree. These cases, alongside a worker fatally injured after being struck by a train in Port Hedland, show a troubling pattern that safety-conscious employers cannot ignore.

Practical Steps to Keep Traffic Control Sites Safe

• Ensure controllers wear high-visibility clothing that meets Australian standards.
• Maintain clear separation between pedestrians, vehicles, and workers using barriers where possible.
• Review worker contractor manuals regularly to confirm procedures remain safe and current.
• Implement management plans that address site-specific hazards before works commence.

Businesses seeking guidance on maintaining a safe workplace should consult official resources such as Safe Work Australia, which publishes national safety standards and incident data relevant to construction and roadwork sectors.

Supporting a Safety-First Culture

News like this serves as a timely reminder that no worksite is entirely without risk. Employers must treat safety as a continuous commitment, not a box-ticking exercise, especially where public roads and construction zones intersect.

Reviewing a worker agreement policy alongside updated safe work method statements helps ensure traffic controllers remain protected on every shift.

Read the original article here.

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