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West Gate Bridge Management Team

Welcome to West Gate Bridge

Site Induction Program

Welcome to West Gate Bridge

Site Induction Program

Category: Uncategorized

  • Ensure all electrical equipment and cables have been inspected, tested and tagged prior to use​
  • Cables are to be elevated off the deck and steel works using cable stands and insulated hooks​
  • Extension cables are to be no longer than 30m​
  • Extension cables are not to be piggy backed​
  • All electrical equipment must be run through an RCD (Residual Current Device)​
  • Damaged or faulty equipment must be tagged out of service immediately
ElectricalSafety

Fall protection must be provided in any situation where there is a risk of injury due to a fall

Types of fall protection:

  • Elevated work platforms​
  • Scaffolding​
  • Harnesses with fall restraint / arrest lanyards​
  • Platform ladders 

Ladder Note:

  • Ladders are to be used for access and egress only​
  • 3 points of contact at all times​
  • Must extend 1 metre beyond landing​
  • Tied off​
  • 1 in 4 ratios = 4m height = 1 metre out footing 

Driver Requirements:

  • Drivers must hold a current driver’s licence or heavy vehicle licence (as applicable), and these documents must be carried at all times.
  • Seat belts must be worn while driving.
  • Drivers must obey the posted speed limits, including a 5 kph limit within the compound.

Vehicle Requirements:

  • All vehicles must have functional flashing beacon lights.
  • Vehicles must be roadworthy.
  • Vehicles without a clearly visible parent company logo must display magnetic identification signs, available from the West Gate Bridge Security Control Room.

Working in the West Gate Bridge median:

  • It’s a safety requirement that all person/s working on the bridge deck, above the steel section must walk within the painted lines of the median to avoid risk with the live traffic on the bridge in the fast lanes​
  • The lines indicate the maximum deflection of the steel barrier in the event that it was hit by a vehicle. By staying within these lines you are protected from serious injury​
  • No work to be conducted outside the median without lane closures in place​
  • Any other works will require lane closures​
  • Guidelines are available for working in median during periods of high wind​

It’s essential for SWMS to be prepared prior to conducting any work tasks on site​

When do you prepare a SWMS?​

  • New works (not covered by an existing SWMS)​
  • Critical Tasks​
  • Job procedures may have changed​
  • When undertaking high risk works​
  • When performing a task with potential to cause injury, incidents, spills, emissions and leaks

Who must be involved in developing the SWMS?

  • All people involved with planning & performing the task

This includes:

  • New members of the work group
  • People performing any part of the work
  • Safety Team
  • Supervisors, Engineers and Managers

Effective risk management on site is crucial for ensuring safety and operational efficiency.

Recommended Risk Management actions:​

  • Workplace Risk Assessment​
  • Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) – Working document (Specific Task Risk Assessments)​
  • Start Cards (Check list to identify any hazards directly located at the work front)​
    Plant Hazard Assessments (PHA) – Specific to items of plant or equipment​
  • Access work permits
Keyboard with risk management button, internet concept

Effective communication is essential for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring the successful completion of tasks.

Recommended Communication Actions

  • Pre-Start Meetings (Daily)
    Conduct daily pre-start meetings to discuss safety, objectives, and any concerns related to the day’s tasks.
  • Toolbox Talks (Weekly)
    Hold weekly toolbox talks to reinforce safety practices, review incident reports, and address any ongoing issues or concerns.
  • Specific Job Start Cards (As Needed)
    Implement job start cards for new tasks and projects, ensuring all team members are briefed before commencing work.
  • Safety Notice Boards
    Maintain safety notice boards to display:

    • Safety alerts and notices
    • Safety Committee meeting minutes
    • Relevant information for staff distribution
  • Work Crew/Radios
    • Ensure each work crew consists of at least two members.
    • Equip crews with two-way radios (provided by WGB Control Room) to facilitate communication and enhance safety.

This structure emphasizes clarity and ensures that all team members are informed and prepared for their roles.

All near misses, incidents, and injuries must be reported immediately to your Supervisor or Team Leader.

  • Do not access the First Aid Kit unless it is an emergency.
  • Seek treatment from a qualified First Aider and ensure it is documented in the register.

A defibrillator is located in the West Gate Bridge Management Office (Sardine Street).

Medical First Aid Kit Flat Design themed Icon Set with shadow
Medical Defibrillator Flat Design themed Icon Set with shadow

Fatigue can lead to increased risk of injury. Stay alert and take regular breaks to ensure your safety and well-being while working.

Possible causes of Fatigue:

  • Poor sleep patterns / Broken sleep​
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Unreasonable workload or work expectations ​
  • Excessive Caffeine​
  • Broken or split shifts​
  • Long work hours​
  • Long travel time​
  • Poor diet​
  • Lack of exercise
Fatigue

The West Gate Bridge and its site compounds contain several unique hazards that require special precautions. All personnel must remain vigilant and follow safety protocols specific to these risks.

These include:​

  • Electrical Hazards:
    • Low and high voltage power supplies (2 main power systems).
    • Dual power and backup systems (batteries and generators).
  • Kinetic Hazards:
    • Stored water pressure and head pressure (3 separate fire control systems).
    • Third-party water supply systems.
  • Working at Heights and Manual Handling risks.
  • Working near live traffic zones.
  • Asbestos: Locations are mapped. If you encounter unidentified asbestos, do not touch it; report it to a DoT representative.
  • Lead (Red Lead Paint): Present only within the internal steel sections of the bridge.
  • Night Work Hazards: Poor visibility and plant hazards.
  • High Wind Environment: The bridge deck is subject to strong winds. Follow management guidelines.
  • Snake Awareness:
    • Avoid unnecessary fear of snakes.
    • Leave snakes alone.
    • Wear proper clothing and closed shoes (no sandals or thongs).
    • Inspect before placing hands in hollow logs, holes, or thick grass.
    • Carefully inspect the ground when stepping over objects.
  • Public Safety Concerns: If you observe anyone attempting to harm themselves or the bridge, do not approach. Notify your Supervisor immediately.