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West Gate Bridge Management Team

Welcome to West Gate Bridge

Site Induction Program

Welcome to West Gate Bridge

Site Induction Program

Category: Uncategorized

All near misses, incidents, and injuries must be reported immediately to your Supervisor or Team Leader.

  • Do not access the First Aid Kit unless it is an emergency.
  • Seek treatment from a qualified First Aider and ensure it is documented in the register.

A defibrillator is located in the West Gate Bridge Management Office (Sardine Street).

Medical First Aid Kit Flat Design themed Icon Set with shadow
Medical Defibrillator Flat Design themed Icon Set with shadow

Fatigue can lead to increased risk of injury. Stay alert and take regular breaks to ensure your safety and well-being while working.

Possible causes of Fatigue:

  • Poor sleep patterns / Broken sleep​
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Unreasonable workload or work expectations ​
  • Excessive Caffeine​
  • Broken or split shifts​
  • Long work hours​
  • Long travel time​
  • Poor diet​
  • Lack of exercise
Fatigue

The West Gate Bridge and its site compounds contain several unique hazards that require special precautions. All personnel must remain vigilant and follow safety protocols specific to these risks.

These include:​

  • Electrical Hazards:
    • Low and high voltage power supplies (2 main power systems).
    • Dual power and backup systems (batteries and generators).
  • Kinetic Hazards:
    • Stored water pressure and head pressure (3 separate fire control systems).
    • Third-party water supply systems.
  • Working at Heights and Manual Handling risks.
  • Working near live traffic zones.
  • Asbestos: Locations are mapped. If you encounter unidentified asbestos, do not touch it; report it to a DoT representative.
  • Lead (Red Lead Paint): Present only within the internal steel sections of the bridge.
  • Night Work Hazards: Poor visibility and plant hazards.
  • High Wind Environment: The bridge deck is subject to strong winds. Follow management guidelines.
  • Snake Awareness:
    • Avoid unnecessary fear of snakes.
    • Leave snakes alone.
    • Wear proper clothing and closed shoes (no sandals or thongs).
    • Inspect before placing hands in hollow logs, holes, or thick grass.
    • Carefully inspect the ground when stepping over objects.
  • Public Safety Concerns: If you observe anyone attempting to harm themselves or the bridge, do not approach. Notify your Supervisor immediately.

Limits:

  • ​Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) = 0.00%​
  • Negative Drug Screen Result
Icon_Breathalyser_Negative

The West Gate Bridge Management Team may require all personnel working on-site to undergo a pre-medical examination, which may include drug and alcohol testing. Random testing of personnel may also be conducted on-site.

Any individual found in possession of, or under the influence of, illicit drugs or alcohol is prohibited from working on-site and will be sent home immediately if discovered.

If you are taking prescribed medication that could affect your ability to work safely, you must inform your Supervisor immediately.​

NoSmoking
NoLighters

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas, which are located within each compound

Obligations of Employers:

  • Provide and maintain a safe work environment to ensure the health and safety of all personnel.
  • Ensure safe plant and systems of work, including safe access and egress to all work areas.
  • Ensure the safe use of plants or substances during handling, storage, and transportation.
  • Provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to all workers to ensure safe work practices.
  • Maintain adequate facilities to support the health, safety, and welfare of workers.
  • Consult with employees and their representatives on health and safety matters.
  • Notify the relevant WHS Authority (Commonwealth, State, or Other) of any reportable incidents.

Obligations of Employees:

  • Provide and maintain a safe work environment to ensure the well-being of all personnel.
  • Maintain safe equipment and systems of work, including ensuring safe access to and egress from all work areas.
  • Facilitate the safe handling, storage, and transportation of plants or substances to protect health and safety.
  • Provide adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure safe work practices are followed.
  • Maintain appropriate facilities to support workers’ health, safety, and welfare.
  • Consult with employees and their representatives on health and safety issues.
  • Report all notifiable incidents to the relevant WHS Authority (Commonwealth, State, or Other).

All contractors must:

  • Submit Documentation: Provide a copy of their Health & Safety Management Plan, along with any other required documents, to meet the standards outlined in Section 9 of the Victorian Guidelines and the West Gate Bridge Site Emergency Response & Evacuation Management Plan (Contractor Version).
  • Workplace Safety Commitment: Demonstrate suitability and a strong commitment to maintaining workplace safety.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Ensure compliance with duties as a ‘principal contractor’ under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (VIC).
  • Safety Approvals & Coordination: Take responsibility for obtaining all necessary approvals and for coordinating, implementing, and managing all aspects of site safety.
  • Submit a Quality Plan: Provide a Quality Plan that outlines how the contractor will manage occupational health and safety throughout all stages of the contract. The plan must align with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004).
  • Familiarize Staff: Ensure all staff are familiar with the contents of the Health & Safety Management Plan.
  • Emergency Management Exercises: For long-term contracts, conduct emergency management exercises to ensure staff are well-versed in the Contractor’s Plan.

Strict security measures and protocols are in place to protect the West Gate Bridge from potential threats. It is crucial that these protocols are followed without exception.

If you observe any unauthorized individuals or suspicious activity, immediately inform your Supervisor or the West Gate Bridge Security Control Room Officer via two-way radio or telephone.

(03) 8306 3900 OR 0481 062 679

Key Security Principles to abide by:

Access to the bridge is restricted to authorized personnel only. All individuals must wear and visibly display a West Gate Bridge Access ID Card at all times while on site.

Information Control: Do not share details about the bridge with individuals outside of work. Never distribute drawings, photos, or sensitive information.

Reporting: Immediately report any suspicious persons, behavior, vehicles, packages, or incidents to your Supervisor or the West Gate Bridge Security Control Room.

Golden key and puzzle

MAIN OFFICE
10 Sardine Street, Port Melbourne

West Abutment
Hall Street, Spotswood

East Abutment
Webb Dock Drive, Port Melbourne

Pier 26
Webb Dock Drive, Port Melbourne

All personnel with an Access ID Card must swipe their card at the compound gates when entering and exiting the site.

  • In the event of an emergency, all personnel must assemble at their designated muster points. If you are within the compound or on the bridge, proceed to the nearest muster point.

 Important: Do not use the bridge manhole hatches to access the bridge deck during an emergency, except in extreme situations where no other alternative is available. Utilizing the hatches may require lane closures, particularly for concrete sections, and should be considered only as a last resort.