The NTRO Safer Smarter Infrastructure Transport Safety Team recently completed a visit to the Pilbara region, collaborating with one of Australia’s largest mining operators to enhance road safety at one of their port sites.
The project focused on improving safety on access roads leading to and within the site.
As part of the project, NTRO’s David McTiernan, National Leader Transport Safety, and Nipuni Ranasinghe, Principal Professional Engineer, conducted a comprehensive review of the site and engaged with operations staff through targeted meetings. These discussions provided valuable insights into site-specific operations, vehicle interactions, environmental considerations, and existing safety challenges, paving the way for actionable improvements to manage road safety on the site.
During the site visit, the team conducted first-hand observations of port site traffic management. While vehicle interactions were noted between heavy vehicles, light commercial vehicles, plant equipment, and pedestrians, the existing communication controls, low-speed environment, and low vehicle volumes were in place to help mitigate safety risks.
The review identified an environmental challenge affecting road safety at the site. Dust generated by operations, along with the arid and windy climate, was observed to present challenges for drivers and operators particularly in low-light conditions. This highlights to NTRO the need for a consistent routine maintenance approach to ensure drivers are given the best road environment possible to support safe operations across the site.
The insights gathered during the visit were compiled into a road safety audit report for mine management. The report includes key recommendations aimed at mitigating risk to enhance road safety outcomes, such as improving speed limit consistency, ensuring the maintenance of signage and road markings, and refining the design of intersections and pedestrian crossings to provide clear right-of-way guidance.
This project builds on NTRO’s extensive experience collaborating with the mining sector in Australia and highlights our ability to apply comprehensive road safety expertise to unique and complex settings. By providing practical, tailored recommendations that extend beyond traditional road networks, NTRO contributes to safer and more efficient operations.
