How Workzone Digitisation Prevented Road Worker Harm on the M5 East
In the dynamic and often hazardous environment of road construction and maintenance, the safety of workers and drivers is paramount. A recent breach on the M5 East Motorway highlighted the critical role that digital innovations in workzone safety can play in reducing risk and preventing potential harm.
Here's a closer look at how Workzone Digitisation turned a ‘could have been’ serious situation into a showcase of cutting-edge safety technology in action.
THE BREACH
During routine maintenance on the M5 East Motorway, a vehicle inadvertently entered a lane that had been closed off to traffic. Despite the clear signage and physical barriers, the vehicle was observed travelling at 67 km/h, significantly exceeding the temporary speed limit of 40 km/h set for the workzone. The potential for harm was high, given the proximity of the road crews working just 100 metres away.
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE THROUGH DIGITAL TOOLS
Thankfully, the workzone was equipped with Workzone Digitisation, designed to respond to such breaches instantly. The key components included:
Sentry Laser Detector: This device is designed to detect unauthorised entries into the workzone. As soon as the vehicle crossed the sentry laser beam, which was integrated along the perimeter of the workzone, an alert was triggered. The laser system's precision ensures that any breach is detected the moment it occurs, providing vital reaction time.
Smart Cones with Sensors: Each cone around the perimeter of the workzone was fitted with sensors. These cones play a dual role—not only do they physically demarcate the safe area, but they also detect and record any impact, providing data on the exact location and nature of a breach.
Portable Site Alarm: Upon detection of the vehicle entering the restricted lane, the portable site alarm was activated automatically. This alarm, which sounds throughout the workzone, alerted workers to the breach 100 metres behind them. This advance warning gave them enough time to assess the breach, move to safety if required, and prepare for any necessary emergency response.
THE OUTCOME
The use of Workzone Digitisation on this site allowed for an instant and coordinated response. Realising the mistake, the driver of the vehicle quickly reduced their speed, signalled, and prepared to exit the workzone. The vehicle came to a near stop and safely exited the restricted area without any intervention or interaction with the road crew, or causing harm to themselves or other vehicles passing by.
LESSONS LEARNED AND THE ROAD AHEAD
This breach serves as a compelling case study on the importance of integrating digital technology into workzone management.
The immediate activation of safety protocols upon the breach has the potential to save lives and prevent damage. It also highlights the need for ongoing education of drivers about the seriousness of workzone boundaries and the dangers of distracted or negligent driving in such areas.
As we move forward, the role of technology in ensuring the safety of both workers and the public when travelling through traffic management workzones will continue to grow. The future of road construction and maintenance work will see an increase in sophisticated systems like Workzone Digitisation, that can predict and prevent breaches before they even occur, ensuring that workzones are not just reactive, but pre-emptively safe.
This breach on the M5 East Motorway is a powerful reminder of how technology can not only enhance operational efficiency but, more importantly, safeguard human lives in high-risk environments.
Find out more about the Workzone Digitisation system here.
If you would like further information about Workzone Digitisation, please contact our Head of Digital, Beth Lilford at beth.lilford@altusgroup.com.au