In February of this year, Main Roads Western Australia released an updated version of its code of practice, which outlines new requirements stating that every site where roadworkers are present must also have someone on site with a Basic Worksite Traffic Management (BWTM) accreditation.
Worksites have two options to fulfil this requirement. These options are outlined in this blog with a simple cost equation and their respective viability.
Explanation of New Code
The updated code of practice, where this is outlined, is section 8.2, which states:
BWTM accreditation required on-site when road workers are present.
Where traffic devices are used, all work sites shall have at least one person with Basic Worksite Traffic Management accreditation on-site at all times when road workers are present.
In layman’s terms, if you are to erect a standalone symbolic worker sign, as a lot of small work sites do, you must have an accredited BWTM Ticket holder on site.
Option 1: Contracting a Traffic Management Company
This is the more convenient option in a sense, but let’s look at the cost.
On average, the cost of 2 traffic controllers and a Ute is $100-$160 per hour. For argument’s sake, let’s average that to $135 per hour. If this were a short-term, two-week project, running 10-hour work days, the cost would be:
($135 x 10hours) x 12 working days = $16,200
So, for a 2-week project spanning 12 working days at 10-hour days, the cost is just north of $16,000. Now let’s compare.
Option 2: Employ and Train in-house Traffic Management Personnel
To make this a fair equation, we need to train the two in-house traffic controllers and evaluate the pay rate they will be receiving. The figures I am using for a pay rate are a generous example.
2 x Basic Worksite Traffic Management Ticket = $1510
Time taken to sit BWTM course = 16 Hours @ $38.00 x 2 = $1216.00
Total training cost = $2726.00
Hourly TC Rate = $38.00 x 2 = $76.00
Using the same amount of working hours as in option 1, the equation is as follows:
($76.00 x 10hours) x 12 working days + $1216.00 training cost = $11, 846.00
As you can see, there is an initial savings of $4,354.00.
This saving goes directly to increasing the bottom line at that work site and also increases the potential profit margins across all work sites moving forward, as the training cost ($) is no longer applicable.
Become a Qualified Traffic Controller
It is understood that the initial training and employment of additional traffic management personnel can be burdensome, but in the long run, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
If you want to get started on your career in traffic control and traffic management, chat to the team at Workmate Training Academy to discuss a traffic control or traffic management course that will be right for your goals.
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