Roadways are inherently dangerous places to work despite how critical they are to the infrastructure of our communities. With vehicles rushing past, distracted drivers, and unpredictable weather conditions, simple mistakes can and too often do lead to life-altering consequences.
Especially for utility and construction workers, the risks are ever-present since their work is often in close proximity to traffic. Fortunately, incident rates of these dangerous job sites have been trending downward in recent years thanks to continuing improvements in safety measures from OSHA and companies alike. By taking road work safety seriously, utility and construction companies can provide better working conditions, reduce the cost of injuries, and complete projects without delays.
Stay visible
We all know that visibility is key to making drivers aware of the presence of workers on the road. But beyond the PPE and high-vis gear you already wear, there may be other ways to increase driver awareness of workers on a job site to give them more time to react and protect workers and drivers alike.
Visibility is paramount in any traffic work zone. A distracted or unaware driver may have less than a second to react, and your visibility can make all the difference.
- Wear high-visibility gear: Ensure all workers wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with reflective and high-visibility materials at all times, especially when working at night or in shaded/dim areas.
- Use clear markers and signs: Place warning signs, cones, and barricades far enough away from the actual work zone to provide drivers sufficient time to slow down or adjust their path. Signs should clearly indicate that workers are present and that caution is required. Altered traffic patterns should be clearly marked and intuitive to follow.
- Deploy flaggers: Flaggers are almost always essential to direct and manage traffic around a job site safely. Ensure your flaggers are well-trained and stationed at strategic points to help motorists understand any new traffic patterns or hazards.
By acknowledging the driver’s perspective and creating clear lanes for safe traffic flow, you can create a safer environment for everyone on the road and in the work zone.
Train like an athlete
Working on roadways requires both physical and mental endurance. Construction and utility workers often face physically demanding tasks such as navigating tight spaces, operating heavy tools, and working in precarious positions. Staying physically fit and being mentally prepared for these challenges can help mitigate injuries caused by strain or fatigue.
Here’s how you can incorporate an athlete’s mindset into road work safety:
- Build physical strength and flexibility: Routine exercise can prepare workers for physically taxing tasks like digging, lifting, or working at awkward angles. Strength training and flexibility exercises can enhance balance and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
- Gain confidence through practice reps: Just as athletes run plays repeatedly to master their game, workers should practice safety protocols and emergency procedures until they become second nature. A well-trained crew reacts swiftly and correctly in emergency situations, minimizing harm.
By treating preparation and training with the seriousness of an athlete honing their craft, roadway crews will be better equipped for both routine and challenging work scenarios.
Stay alert
Safe roadway work zone operations hinge on one critical factor—constant awareness. Being alert extends beyond noticing nearby vehicles; it’s about understanding every potential hazard in the environment.
- Designate a lookout: Assign at least one crew member the role of watching the roadway at all times. This person’s sole responsibility should be to monitor traffic and assess any potential dangers. More eyes on the road is better if you have the personnel to spare.
- Survey the environment: SOPs usually include scoping the project site ahead of time to take note of power lines, underground cables, pipes, and other potential hazards. Refer to these reports constantly as the job progresses.
- Combat mental fatigue: Rotating workers on lookout duty helps maintain sharpness and prevents lapses in concentration. Encourage short breaks to recharge focus during long shifts.
Maintaining situational awareness is a collective effort by the whole team, and everyone can contribute by staying mindful of their surroundings and communicating clearly with one another.
Report incidents and near misses
Every incident, no matter how minor, is an opportunity to learn and improve roadway work zone safety. Reporting near misses is particularly important, as it can uncover previously hidden risks before they lead to actual accidents.
Here’s why this practice is essential:
- Identify patterns: Tracking incidents and near misses can reveal patterns or recurring issues on the job site. For example, near misses may occur more frequently during a particular time of day or when the crew is doing specific tasks.
- Adjust policies: Use the data gathered from reports to adapt safety protocols and eliminate root causes of recurring issues. Continuous improvement is key to a safer work environment.
- Promote transparency: Encourage an open reporting culture where workers feel comfortable sharing concerns without fear of blame. This fosters a proactive approach to safety.
Accurate reporting and analysis can make the difference between a workplace that reacts to accidents and one that actively prevents them.
Empower workers through training and support with Work-Fit
Roadway work zones are challenging environments, but a well-prepared and supported team can thrive even under the most demanding conditions. To keep workers safe, efficient, and resilient, organizations must invest in both tools and training.
At Work Fit, we specialize in creating safer job sites by offering tailored training programs and on-the-job support for construction and utility crews. Whether it’s creating industry-specific strength-training programs to prevent joint or muscle injuries, or advising on protocols for accident prevention in unpredictable environments, our team can help. Start a conversation with our team by contacting Work-Fit today.
