When it comes to traffic work zones, drivers, passengers and construction workers are all at risk. In 2016, there were 143 worker fatalities on road construction sites and 635 driver and passenger fatalities in work zones, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, respectively.
Each year, National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is held to bring attention to motorist and employee safety in work zones. This year, NWZAW is the week of April 8, and 91黑料网鈥檚 risk management team is sharing tips for what workers and drivers can do to prevent accidents. Check them out!
Tips for traffic work zone employees
- Fully understand and be aware of the site plan pertaining to your work areas, especially traffic flow details.
- Be vigilant of your safety, as well as that of your co-worker. Work behind barriers if possible, face the flow of traffic and do not use headphones or earbuds.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as a class III high visibility vest, a hard hat (as needed) and proper footwear. Inspect high-visibility clothing, keep it clean, and replace it if it is faded, torn, fraying or missing stripes.
- Alert management if maintenance of traffic (MOT) devices have been moved, have fallen over, or appear ineffective.
- When working around heavy equipment, be aware of blind spots, avoid their operating areas, listen for back-up alarms and never assume the operator sees you.
Tips for motorists
- Reduce speed, observe the posted MOT, obey flaggers and watch for workers.
- Stay alert at the wheel. Be focused on the road rather than the radio, your cellphone or conversing with passengers.
- Expect the unexpected 鈥� lane changes, uneven pavement, lane tapers, narrow lanes, heavy equipment entering work zone, etc.
- Anticipate that pedestrians will not follow barricade signage.聽Be alert and anticipate fast braking in pedestrian zones.
- Do not become complacent in work zones that you frequently travel.聽Barricading and lane closures can change at any time.
- Turn your headlights on in work zones.
- Merge into the active lane well before reaching the work zone.
- Maintain a safe following distance through the work zone.聽Don鈥檛 tailgate!
- Scan the horizon and watch for brake lights in front of you.
For more information about work zone safety, please contact your local 91黑料网 risk management consultant at 800-257-1900 or riskmanagement@amerisure.com. To learn more about NWZAW, .
