7 Steps to Safer Work Zones

BY MARK LUDEWIG

Work zone crashes on highways and roadways continue to be a major public safety concern per U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) data. From 2016 to 2020, there were more than 154,000 injuries due to crashes in work zones, representing an average of 84 per day. Over that same time, more than 4,000 fatalities— two per day—have occurred in work zones.

The data also show that work zone crash fatalities decreased by about 18% over this time and, while the trend is heading in the right direction, there is clearly a need for increased emphasis on safety. Enter professional traffic control services that focus on reducing the number of accidents and injuries that occur in work zones.

Obviously, effective traffic control measures can provide clear warning and direction to motorists approaching a construction area. Increasingly, these measures benefit from a range of new technologies that are helping to make roads even safer. Reducing risk, distractions and liability are just a few of the advantages contractors can gain from implementing effective traffic control procedures.

When implementing traffic control measures for an asphalt paving or patching project, the following best practices can help to ensure the safety of workers and the public:

1. PLAN AHEAD.

No two work zones are identical, meaning preparation is key. Different traffic control services may be required for short-term and large-scale projects. A simple patching assignment, for instance, will typically have fewer considerations than when laying down miles of mat. Along with signs and signals, asphalt contractors may need to incorporate message boards, lane usage devices and other technologies to direct drivers. Careful planning and coordination between contractors and traffic control services can help to limit both the size and complexity of a work zone so that drivers can get to their destinations safely in the shortest time. It is also important to set up work zones and traffic control devices at least one day before the project begins so that everything is in its rightful place and confirmed to be properly functioning.

2. TRAIN EMPLOYEES.

Contractors should make sure that all their employees are properly trained with a basic understanding of work zone construction hazards and the importance of internal traffic control. This can sometimes include the correct setup and use of traffic control devices. The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) offers training to increase safety awareness for crews, truck drivers and equipment operators working in roadway construction zones. NAPA's CrewSafety Work Zone Training helps employees recognize unsafe situations and understand how they can proactively ensure their well-being. Additionally, many professional traffic control service providers offer convenient access to educational resources. In all cases, only crew members who have been properly trained should be permitted to enter the work zone.

3. BRIEF CREWS.

Critical to any construction project is a daily pre-job briefing led by the site safety supervisor. This will include a review of work zone conditions, safety protocols and escape routes. It is also the best time to discuss any accidents or near-misses reported the day before in order to prevent a reoccurrence. Hazards in proximity to the work zone—obstructions to visibility, commercial activity and many other factors—can change overnight. In some cases, it may be necessary to devise a new safety plan should the work or environment change significantly, or as additional hazards are identified.

4. EMPLOY DEVICES.

It is also important to choose the right type of traffic control devices to set up a work zone for optimal safety. The type of device and placement must comply with guidelines set forth in the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as well as any state or local traffic control ordinances. The latest technologies can also offer a safer approach to traffic management. Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) are popping up on roads everywhere as contractors realize the benefits of autonomous operation and/or remote control of traffic signaling from a safe distance. AFADs can automatically instruct traffic to stop or proceed, with some models hav- ing the ability to sound an alarm should a vehicle violate the boundaries of the work zone. Others incorporate high-resolution security cameras to capture incidents— this can help to shield contractors from liability claims in the event of an accident.

5. MONITOR CONSTANTLY.

It is important to monitor the work zone regularly to ensure that the setup is correct and warning devices are still in their rightful place and functioning properly. If any changes are required, they should be made immediately. Continual supervision is also key to ensuring the safety of workers and the public. Work sites should have a qualified traffic observer (a protector) to monitor changing conditions and to warn crews of dangers. An observer is also needed to protect workers who are setting up or removing temporary traffic control devices.

AWP Safety plans and coordinates work zone projects requiring the use of sophisticated traffic control devices in combination with traditional traffic control methods administered by certified protectors. In addition, the company is responsible for submitting necessary plans and approvals including permitting, material estimates and field surveys, as well as ensuring all elements of the project comply with federal, state and local regulations.

6. STAY ALERT.

Constant vigilance is required to recognize dangerous traffic situations in work zones. Personnel should be trained—and reminded—to wear appropriate visual/audio traffic control Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to never turn their back on traffic and to frequently check their position for routes of escape. For AWP Safety traffic control supervisors, it is standard practice to use a storm whistle to alert others to potential dangers. In noisy construction zones where volumes can be deafening at times, the high pitch of a storm whistle can rise above the clamor, whereas the sound of someone shouting may be drowned out.

7. STOP WORK.

The safety of people is more important than any project deadline. Crews should