Posted On: July 22, 2024

Safe Work Zones Best Practices for Traffic Management

Introduction

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many work-related deaths are caused by transportation accidents and being hit by vehicles or mobile equipment. Workers in emergency services, utilities, demolition, clean-up, and construction are at high risk when working near moving traffic. Work zones are designed to protect everyone and are marked with cones, signs, barrels, and barriers to safely manage traffic and safeguard workers.

Common Hazards in Work Zones

Vehicle Collisions: Workers and equipment could be struck by passing vehicles if they are not visible or if drivers are not alert.
Moving Equipment: Construction machines such as cranes and forklifts can be hazardous if not handled correctly. They can cause accidents if workers are too close or if the machines are not controlled safely.
Visibility Issues: Workers might be hard to see due to poor lighting, bad weather, or obstacles, which raises the risk of accidents.
Unmarked Hazards: Dangerous areas or obstacles, when not marked clearly, can result in accidents if drivers or workers fail to notice them in time.
Traffic Control Problems: Improperly set up or maintained signs, cones, or barriers can fail to direct traffic effectively, leading to confusion and accidents.

Key Elements of Work Zone Traffic Safety

1. Traffic Control Plan

Define separate routes for vehicles, workers, and pedestrians.
Federal, state, or local authorities manage temporary traffic control zones, ensuring that all regulations and safety standards are followed.
Construction managers create plans for traffic control within the worksite and coordinate with other projects to keep everything running smoothly.

2. Signage

Use signs like "DO NOT ENTER," "EVACUATION ROUTE," "REDUCED SPEED AHEAD," "ROAD CLOSED," and "NO OUTLET" to direct traffic.
Place clear signs within the construction site to direct workers safely and efficiently.

3. Traffic Control Devices

Use cones, barrels, barricades, and delineator posts to manage and direct traffic flow.
Install signals and message boards to provide real-time updates and instructions to drivers and pedestrians.

4. Flagging

Flaggers must wear high-visibility clothing (like fluorescent orange-red or yellow-green) with reflective strips so they can be easily seen.
Flaggers should use STOP/SLOW paddles, paddles with lights, or flags (only in emergencies) to control traffic.
Place signs before the flaggers to warn drivers about the flagging activity ahead.

5. Lighting

Make sure flagger areas are well-lit so they are easy to see.
The worksite needs to have a minimum of 5 foot-candles of light to maintain visibility.

6. Training

Teach flaggers how to use signals correctly and make sure they are certified.
Explain safe vehicle routes, hand signals, visibility limits, and equipment blind spots to workers

Conclusion

Keeping work zones safe for everyone requires a solid plan. Clear signage, effective traffic control devices, and well-trained flaggers greatly reduce the risk of accidents. Properly marked and managed work zones help keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely. Safety in work zones depends on careful planning and clear communication to protect everyone involved.