A roadway construction work zone is shown with traffic control.

Date Posted: 05/31/2024

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 773 work zone-related fatalities annually. Construction workers who work on highways, roads, streets, bridges, tunnels, utilities, and other similar work for the highway infrastructure are exposed to hazards from outside and inside the work zone. The work is often in congested areas with exposure to high traffic volumes and speeds and can also have the dangers of low lighting, low visibility, and inclement weather. Work is often near moving construction vehicles, equipment, and passing motor vehicle traffic.

Note: Dump trucks were responsible for 41% of the deaths, with 52% of those fatalities involving dump trucks backing.

Work zone Hazards

When working on or near the roads, there are several hazards that you need to be aware of, including:

Moving and idle construction vehicles and equipment.
Moving vehicles driven by the public or other workers.
Traffic control/management.
Noise from motors and vehicles.
Limited visibility from machinery/dust.
Night work and limited lighting.
Inclement weather.
Natural hazards such as trees and vegetation.
Slip, trip, and fall hazards.
Hazards upon entering or leaving the work zone.

Flaggers

Flaggers and other workers can be exposed to the hazard of being struck if not visible to motorists or equipment operators. Flaggers and others setting up or taking down temporary traffic control should wear high visibility clothing (ANSI class 2 or 3) with a fluorescent orange-red or yellow-green background and retroreflective orange, yellow, white, silver, or yellow-green material. In traffic movement areas, this personal protective equipment will make the worker visible at least 1,000 feet from any direction and make the worker stand out from the background. Drivers are required to be warned in advance with signs of a flagger ahead. Flaggers should use STOP/SLOW paddles, paddles with lights, or flags (flags should be used only in emergencies.) The “Stop” sign should be octagonal with a red background, white letters, and a border. The “Slow” sign is the same shape, with an orange background, black letters, and a border. Flagger stations should be illuminated when visibility is lower or during the hours of darkness. Lighting for workers on foot and equipment operators must be at least 5-foot candles or greater.

A flagger is positioned wearing reflective clothing.

General Safety Precautions for Work Zones

Comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) part 6 when setting up traffic signs, road surface markings, and signals. In the United States, all traffic control devices must legally conform to MUTCD standards.
Wear reflective high-visibility vests or clothing.
Establish procedures for entering and exiting the work zone.
Restrict personnel access points into work areas and designate “no backing” zones and “pedestrian-free” zones.
Minimize the amount of time employees need to be exposed to traffic. Work during low-traffic times of the day if possible.
Construction zone flaggers must be trained in appropriate training methods.

If possible, block side streets to eliminate traffic hazards.
Limit the amount of personnel in the area.
Create out-of-bound areas that are off-limits to employees due to traffic and other struck-by hazards.
Flaggers must be readily visible to traffic.
Be aware of blind spots or blind areas around vehicles or equipment that is not visible to operators, either by direct line of sight or indirectly by use of internal or external mirrors.
Communicate with a vehicle or equipment operator verbally and/or by eye contact before entering any area near heavy equipment or vehicles.
Keep eye contact with operators when working near moving equipment.
Remove construction debris that can become a hazard for employees and motorists.
Only equipment and machinery necessary to do the job should be present in the work zone, and non-essential items should be removed.
Remove worn, old, non-reflective traffic control devices from service.
Equipment backup alarms should function.
Provide an emergency egress/escape route in case of emergency.
Train all employees on traffic control plans and other precautionary safety measures that might be unique to the work zone.