Heavy and Highway workzone safety

by Laborers' Health & Safety Fund of North America

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that more than 750 highway construction workers lose their lives on our highways each year.

Although laborers working on heavy and highway construction projects make up only 38% of LIUNA's membership, they account for 73% of all LIUNA on-the-job deaths.

The Hazards
Heavy and highway construction workers are often injured or killed by moving vehicles entering their workzones or construction vehicles and equipment operating within the workzone.

These injuries and fatalities are usually caused by poor traffic control procedures, unsatisfactory construction vehicle and equipment maintenance (e.g., no malfunctioning warning devices), poorly designed work zones, and failure to establish and follow policies and procedures for ensuring safety on the job.

Prevention
Heavy and highway worksites are more complex than others since motorized traffic enters the worksite. It takes preplanning and continual review to keep the workzone safe and accident-free. Traffic controls are necessary to protect workers, to protect passing motorists, and to keep the job and traffic moving smoothly.

To keep public traffic from entering the workzone, your employer's traffic program should:

• Get the driver's attention in sufficient time so that he/she can act on instructions.
• Warn the driver of approaching hazards.
• Slow the speed of motorized traffic.
• Guide motorized traffic around the workzone.
• Return motorized traffic to normal flow after exiting the workzone.

A flagperson or other appropriate traffic controls must be provided when signs, signals, and barricades do not provide the necessary protection.

What You Cannot Do
As workers on a highway construction worksite, you must take precautions to protect yourself:

Do NOT assume flagperson duties without special training. The flagperson is an important traffic control and accident prevention safeguard on the worksite.

Do NOT remove your red or orange reflective warning vest.

Do NOT operate vehicles or equipment within the work area unless you are qualified.

Do NOT leave a running vehicle unattended.

Do NOT position yourself near a fixed stationary object where you can be crushed by a moving vehicle or piece of equipment.

Do NOT hitch a ride on mobile equipment in the workzone.

Follow all safe operating procedures and safety rules for the worksite regarding the use of mobile equipment. Survey your work area each day for potential hazards, and be alert and cautious on the job. Common sense and safety precautions save lives.

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