Many cars converge at the entry and exit points of parking areas. It is necessary to clearly indicate the entry and exit points as well as other directions to help people remain attentive.
Tension can build when payment and card systems fail, and traffic builds up behind exit points.
Tips
- Clear signage and pathways to entry and exits.
- Safe access to lifts stairways and emergency exits.
- Follow the directional arrows.
Potential harm
- Pedestrian accident
- Bike accident
- Car accident
Identified hazards and controls
Boom gate procedures
Cause
- Failure of boom gate to operate.
- Traffic backing up behind security boom gates.
What workers can do
- If you swipe a pass in order to enter the car park via a boom gate, have it ready before you get to the gate. Stopping and rummaging through the glovebox, console or bag only causes delays for other users who may vocalise their discontent.
- If you cannot locate your access card, there is usually a help button for assistance.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to travel in case you get caught up in car park delays.
What employers can do
- Ensure the systems that operate the boom gate are maintained as per the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Consider providing a ticket payment machine at a different location to the boom gate, so users can pay before they leave the car park.
- Consider the impact a boom gate failure will have on the functioning of the car park and surrounding streets. An attendant may need to be available during peak traffic times to quickly respond to issues.
- If you are not the owner or manager of the car park, discuss safety issues with the car park owner.
Car accidents
Cause
- Cars travelling the wrong way or stopping suddenly.
What workers can do
- Read the signage and check the road surface for directional arrows. Car park directional flows are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of car accidents.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to travel.
What employers can do
- If you, as the employer, own or manage the car park, you may be able to take some sort of corrective action against offending drivers, such as reminding drivers of correct behaviour, warnings and potential banning of offending drivers.
- Ensure you have an appropriate traffic management plan in place.
- Check that the signage is visible and is not faded or obscured by pillars.
- Maintain signage as required.
- If you are not the owner or manager of the car park, discuss safety issues with the car park owner.
Pedestrian and bike incidents
Cause
- Pedestrian and bike traffic not separated from vehicle traffic.
- Access to stairs and lifts requires pedestrians to cross the path of cars and other vehicles.
- Pedestrians using access ramps to enter or exit the car park.
What workers can do
- As a driver, be alert to pedestrians and bike user. They may be obscured behind other cars or behind pillars in car parks.
- Drive slowly in the car park and stop for pedestrians.
- As a pedestrian, be alert to the movement of cars - you can usually hear an engine or tyre noise - and be prepared to stop as the driver may not see you.
- Use the pedestrian exits that are marked, often by lift or stairs, and do not use the access ramps unless they are marked with a pedestrian walkway.
What employers can do
- If you, as the employer, own or manage the car park, review the flow of traffic and pedestrian entrance and exit points. Ensure the two do not cross over.
- If you are not the owner or manager of the car park, discuss safety issues with the car park owner.
More information
Legislation
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – Refer to regulation 335 Labelling hazardous chemicals and part 3.2 General Workplace Management.
Codes
Page last reviewed: 25 April 2021