Traffic Controller (TC) Work Stories

AWF

22 May 201801:49

Summary

TLDRSteve Lapalapa and Nga Ingaua, both traffic controllers for AWF, share their experiences in ensuring safety on construction sites in New Zealand. With Steve's six years and Nga's nearly two years of service, they emphasize the importance of vigilance, coordination, and the daily application of new skills learned through AWF's training. Their roles are not just about standing around; they actively manage gates, set up safety measures, and interact with the public, enjoying the dynamic work environment and the opportunity to keep New Zealand working.

Takeaways

🚧 Steve Lapalapa is a dedicated gatesman with 6 years of experience in machine operation, general labouring, and traffic control.
🚦 Nga Ingaua has been a traffic controller for nearly 2 years and is passionate about her job.
👮‍♂️ Traffic controllers are responsible for managing gates, setting up safety equipment like cones and fences, and supervising public access to the site.
👀 The role of a TC involves ensuring safety on site by preventing incidents and accidents, and by being aware of everyone's location and movements.
🙅‍♂️ Traffic controllers must stay alert and not be distracted by phones or other activities.
👍 Steve expresses satisfaction with his job and the learning opportunities provided by working with STMS’s.
📚 Nga appreciates the training and new skills she has gained through the TC course provided by AWF.
🏙️ Both Steve and Nga enjoy the dynamic work environment of the city and the opportunity to meet different people on site.
💪 The job is physically and mentally engaging, keeping them fit and mentally active.
📢 Steve was introduced to AWF through a friend, highlighting the company's reputation and appeal.
🌟 Both Steve and Nga are proud to work for AWF, a company that plays a significant role in keeping New Zealand operational.

Q & A

What is Steve Lapalapa's occupation and how long has he been in this role?
-Steve Lapalapa is a gatesman and traffic controller (TC), and he has been in this role for 6 years.
What are the primary responsibilities of a TC according to Steve Lapalapa?
-As a TC, Steve is responsible for machine operating, general labouring, traffic control, and ensuring no incidents or accidents occur at the site.
How does Nga Ingaua describe her experience as a traffic controller?
-Nga Ingaua describes her experience as a traffic controller as something she loves completely, having been in the role for nearly 2 years.
What tasks does Nga Ingaua perform as a traffic controller?
-Nga Ingaua's tasks include looking after the gates, letting trucks in, setting up cones and fences, and ensuring the public does not enter the site.
What is the importance of being alert as a TC according to the script?
-Being alert as a TC is crucial for ensuring everyone's safety on the site and preventing incidents or accidents.
What has Steve Lapalapa learned from the STMS's he has worked with?
-Steve Lapalapa has learned a lot from the STMS's he has worked with, though the specific skills or knowledge gained are not detailed in the script.
How did Nga Ingaua get introduced to the job at AWF?
-Nga Ingaua first heard about AWF through a friend who was interested in the company, and shortly after, they all signed up.
What training did AWF provide for Nga Ingaua?
-AWF provided Nga Ingaua with a TC course, which helped her acquire new skills for her role.
What does Nga Ingaua enjoy about her job as a traffic controller?
-Nga Ingaua enjoys working in the city, being around the site, meeting different people, and the physical and mental activity that comes with the job.
What is the slogan or mission statement of AWF as mentioned by Steve Lapalapa and Nga Ingaua?
-The slogan or mission statement of AWF, as mentioned by both Steve Lapalapa and Nga Ingaua, is 'We keep New Zealand working.'

Outlines

00:00

🚦 Traffic Control: A Day in the Life

Steve Lapalapa and Nga Ingaua, both traffic controllers (TCs) for AWF, share their experiences and responsibilities in their roles. Steve, with six years of experience, and Nga, with nearly two years, discuss their daily tasks which include operating machinery, general laboring, and ensuring traffic flow and safety at construction sites. They emphasize the importance of being vigilant, not just standing around, and the value of their work in preventing accidents. Both express satisfaction with their jobs, the skills they've acquired, and the joy of working in the city and interacting with diverse people. They also mention the AWF's role in their professional development, having provided them with the necessary training.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Gatesman

A 'gatesman' is a term used to describe someone who works at a gate or checkpoint, often in construction or industrial settings, to control access and ensure safety. In the video's context, Steve Lapalapa identifies himself as a gatesman, indicating his role in managing entry and exit of vehicles and personnel at the site. His responsibilities include operating machinery and performing general labor tasks.

💡Traffic Controller (TC)

A 'Traffic Controller' is an individual responsible for directing traffic, particularly in construction zones or areas where road work is being conducted. In the script, both Steve and Nga Ingaua mention their roles as TCs, emphasizing the importance of their work in maintaining safety and preventing accidents at the construction site.

💡AWF

AWF appears to be the name of the company that Steve and Nga work for. It is likely an acronym for a specific company that provides services related to traffic control and labor in construction or similar industries. The script highlights the company's role in training and employing traffic controllers, as well as its contribution to keeping New Zealand's infrastructure and economy functioning.

💡Incidents

In the context of the video, 'incidents' refers to any untoward events or accidents that could occur at a construction site. The traffic controllers' role is to prevent such incidents by ensuring that traffic flows safely and that the public is kept away from hazardous areas, as mentioned by Steve when he talks about making sure 'there is no incidents or there isn’t any accidents at all.'

💡Alert

Being 'alert' is a key aspect of a traffic controller's job, as it involves being constantly aware of the surroundings and potential hazards. The script emphasizes this by stating that a TC is not just there to 'stand and look around and be on your phone,' but to be vigilant and ready to respond to any situation that may arise.

💡STMS

STMS likely stands for 'Site Traffic Management System' or a similar term related to traffic control at construction sites. Steve mentions having worked with STMS's, indicating that he has experience with various systems or protocols designed to manage traffic flow and safety at construction sites.

💡Course

The 'course' mentioned in the script refers to the training that Nga Ingaua took to become a traffic controller. AWF provided this training, which suggests that the company invests in the professional development of its employees, teaching them the necessary skills to perform their roles effectively and safely.

💡Cones

Cones are traffic control devices used to guide drivers and pedestrians around construction sites or other areas where traffic flow needs to be managed for safety reasons. Nga Ingaua mentions setting up cones in the mornings, which is part of her responsibilities as a traffic controller to ensure that the site is properly marked and safe for workers and the public.

💡Fences

Fences, like cones, are used as physical barriers to restrict access to certain areas, especially in construction zones. Nga Ingaua's mention of setting up fences in the mornings is another example of the preparatory work done by traffic controllers to secure the site and prevent unauthorized entry.

💡Public

The 'public' in the script refers to non-workers who may be in the vicinity of the construction site. Traffic controllers, like Nga Ingaua, are responsible for keeping an eye on the public to ensure they do not enter the site and to maintain overall safety.

💡New Zealand

New Zealand is the country where the video is set, and it is also the place where AWF operates. The phrase 'we keep New Zealand working' suggests that the work of traffic controllers and the company AWF is essential to the functioning of the country's infrastructure and economy.

Highlights

Steve Lapalapa has been a traffic controller (TC) for 6 years, working in machine operation, general laboring, and traffic control.

Nga Ingaua has been a traffic controller for nearly 2 years and loves the job.

Traffic controllers are responsible for managing gates, letting trucks in, and setting up safety cones and fences.

They also monitor the public to ensure they do not enter the construction site.

The primary role of a TC is to prevent incidents and accidents on site.

TCs must be aware of everyone's location on site and ensure they leave safely.

Traffic controllers are not just there to stand around; they need to stay alert.

Steve is satisfied with his job and has learned a lot from working with STMS’s.

AWF provided Nga with the necessary TC training course to develop new skills.

The job of a traffic controller involves working in the city, around construction sites, and interacting with different people.

The role is physically and mentally engaging, keeping traffic controllers fit and active.

Nga heard about AWF through a friend and signed up along with others.

Steve and Nga both work for AWF, a company that contributes to keeping New Zealand functioning.

Traffic controllers play a crucial role in maintaining safety and order at construction sites.

The job requires constant vigilance and awareness of the surroundings.

Training and ongoing learning are important aspects of being a traffic controller.

Working as a traffic controller offers a dynamic and engaging work environment.

AWF invests in its employees by providing necessary training and skill development.

The role of a traffic controller is integral to the smooth operation of construction projects.