Traffic Control Tips: How to Prevent 5 Costly Worksite Mistakes
- 21 May 2025
As a supervisor, poor traffic management can lead to serious accidents, legal violations, and costly delays. Traffic control is more than just cones and signs. you play a critical role in ensuring the safe movement of vehicles, equipment, and workers on-site.
Many sites in Singapore still repeat the same preventable mistakes. Here are five common worksite traffic control mistakes — and how you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: No Site-Specific Traffic Management Plan (TMP)
Many worksites operate without a proper TMP, or worse, use a generic one that doesn’t reflect current conditions.
Why it’s risky:
- Doesn’t account for daily changes in vehicle flow or pedestrian movement
- May violate Singapore’s WSH (Construction) Regulations
- SCDF and MOM may flag non-compliance during inspections
How to avoid it:
- Create a customised TMP for each site layout and phase of work
- Update it whenever site conditions change
- Ensure all workers and traffic marshals are briefed
Mistake 2: Poor Placement of Signage and Barriers
Incorrect or unclear sign placement is a recipe for confusion — especially for delivery drivers, dump trucks, or public vehicles passing by.
Why it’s risky:
- Drivers may enter restricted zones
- Workers may be exposed to moving vehicles
- Emergency routes may be blocked
How to avoid it:
- Follow LTA and WSH Council guidelines on sign visibility and size
- Place signs at driver eye level and before decision points
- Use cones, bollards, and reflective barriers to guide flow clearly
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Mistake 3: Inadequate Training for Traffic ControllersAssigning untrained workers to manage traffic is a shortcut that leads to hazards. Why it’s risky:
How to avoid it:
Mistake 4: No Pedestrian SegregationSome sites fail to clearly separate walkways from vehicle routes, especially during peak hours. Why it’s risky:
How to avoid it:
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Mistake 5: Ignoring Weather and Lighting Conditions
Traffic control often overlooks Singapore’s tropical weather and low-visibility hours.
Why it’s risky:
- Rain and glare reduce driver visibility
- Dimly lit areas hide hazards or signage
- Risk of slips or vehicle skidding increases
How to avoid it:
- Use waterproof signage and non-slip surfaces
- Schedule deliveries during daylight hours when possible
- Install temporary lighting for night or tunnel works
- Brief workers daily on weather-related adjustments
Train to Be a Certified Traffic Control Supervisor
Advance Safe Consultants offers the Traffic Control Supervisor Course for those overseeing roadworks, construction areas, or logistics zones. Get in touch with us today to book your course and take the first step towards a safer, more efficient worksite.
