Winter brings a new set of risks to New Zealand’s roads, from wet conditions and low visibility to early nightfall and higher traffic volumes. That’s where traffic management workers become essential. These workers help keep our roads safe and our infrastructure projects moving, no matter the weather.
Here’s why they’re critical during the colder months:
1. Reduced Visibility and Poor Weather
Winter often means foggy mornings, heavy rain, and darker working hours. These conditions can significantly reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to spot work zones, signage, or personnel. Traffic controllers are vital in directing traffic and ensuring drivers are aware of upcoming work zones, lane changes, and hazards. This reduces confusion, improves safety for both workers and motorists, and helps prevent accidents.
2. Increased Risk on Site
WorkSafe warns that road and roadside workers face heightened risks during winter, such as heavy rain, snow, ice, fog, flooding, high winds, and low visibility. These conditions can lead to slips, trips, vehicle‑related incidents, and mental fatigue, especially during storm responses or urgent repairs.
Traffic management workers help maintain clear, safe routes for vehicles and pedestrians around work sites and ensure temporary signage is placed effectively to guide traffic through or around hazards.
3. Maintaining Critical Infrastructure Projects
Winter is no time to stop key projects. From road repairs to utility maintenance, traffic management teams ensure that essential work continues safely and efficiently, even in poor conditions.
4. Higher Traffic Volumes in Certain Areas
In winter, many people drive instead of walking or cycling due to the cold and rain. This can lead to higher traffic volumes and congestion, particularly in urban areas. Effective traffic control helps reduce congestion and maintains a safe traffic flow.
5. Unpredictable Road Conditions
Road conditions can deteriorate quickly and become hazardous due to sudden rain, flooding, or debris. Under WorkSafe guidelines, Temporary Traffic Management Plans (TTMPs) should include regular site checks during winter to ensure all controls remain effective.
Traffic management staff are trained to respond to changing conditions and can quickly update signs, reposition cones, and communicate with motorists and work crews to keep everyone safe.
6. Support for Emergency and Maintenance Crews
During winter storms or flooding events, traffic control teams are often among the first on the scene to support emergency services, utility crews, and road repair workers. They play a key role in road closures, ensuring access and safety for essential services.
The Employer’s Role in Keeping Traffic Workers Safe
With shorter daylight hours, early sunsets mean many road crews finish their shifts in low-light or dark conditions. This puts traffic management workers in vulnerable positions where visibility is limited and driver fatigue is higher.
Understanding their value and supporting them through the colder months is more than just a legal obligation for employers, it’s a crucial part of workplace health, safety, and wellbeing.
Here’s how you can support your employees:
1. Invest in Winter-Rated PPE
Winter work requires more than just high-vis vests. Employers should provide:
- Waterproof, insulated clothing
- Thermal gloves and socks
- Anti-slip footwear
- High-visibility gear suitable for low-light conditions
2. Adapt Rosters and Hours to Weather Conditions
Where possible, plan shift times around forecasted weather and daylight hours. WorkSafe recommends scheduling additional breaks in sheltered areas to manage fatigue and cold exposure risks. Consider shorter shifts during extreme cold or rain and ensure workers have regular breaks to warm up and reset.
3. Prioritise Health and Safety Briefings
Winter conditions can change rapidly. Daily or pre-shift toolbox talks should include:
- Weather updates
- Site specific hazard awareness
- Visibility and vehicle movement reminders
4. Support Worker Wellbeing
Cold weather can affect both physical and mental health. Regularly checking in, providing access to hot drinks or shelter, and acknowledging the tough conditions can go a long way in boosting morale and retention.
Putting Safety First This Winter
Traffic management workers are on the front line of site safety, especially during winter when conditions are challenging. By recognising the increased risks they face and investing in their safety and wellbeing, you’re helping keep your people, the public, and your projects moving forward safely.
Looking for reliable traffic management staff this winter?
Lowie Recruitment supplies trained traffic management workers who understand the demands of the job, rain or shine. Contact our team to find out more.