Traffic Control Safety in Construction
Construction near roadways comes with serious risks, and without proper traffic control, both workers and passing drivers face danger. According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 20,000 workers are injured in road construction accidents each year, with around 700 fatalities occurring due to improper traffic control measures.
Most incidents happen due to poor visibility, distracted drivers, or inadequate traffic management, making it critical to follow strict safety procedures in work zones. Let’s dive in and talk about preventing serious traffic accidents near the job site.
Common Hazards in Traffic-Controlled Areas
Managing traffic around a work site isn’t just about setting up cones and signs—it’s about protecting lives. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration stresses that work zones without clear traffic control measures are far more likely to experience crashes, near misses, and worker injuries. Some of the biggest hazards include:
- Driver Distractions – Motorists often focus on construction activity rather than the road, increasing the risk of crashes.
- Limited Visibility – Workers and equipment can be hard to see, especially at night, in bad weather, or in low-light conditions.
- Improper Traffic Control Setup – Barriers, cones, and signs that aren’t placed at the correct distances give drivers little time to react.
- Flagger Safety Risks – Flaggers are often in direct traffic lanes, making them vulnerable to speeding vehicles.
- Construction Vehicle Movement – Worksite vehicles crossing into live traffic lanes can lead to collisions and injuries.
Best Practices for Work Zone Traffic Control
Effective traffic control keeps both workers and the public safe. The American Society of Safety Professionals highlights key safety measures that every job site should follow:
- Clear Signage and Lane Warnings – Advance warning signs should be placed at a distance that gives drivers time to adjust to upcoming lane shifts or speed changes.
- Proper Traffic Barricades – Cones, barriers, and barricades must be positioned correctly based on speed limits and work zone size to guide vehicles safely.
- Safe Flagging Operations – Flaggers must wear high-visibility gear, stand in protected areas, and never turn their backs to oncoming traffic.
- Crash Truck Placement – Trucks equipped with crash-absorbing panels (impact attenuators) should be stationed behind work crews to absorb impacts from errant vehicles.
- Work Zone Inspections – Regularly checking and adjusting traffic control measures ensures that signs, barriers, and safety measures remain effective as conditions change.
- Reducing Backing Hazards – Spotters should assist vehicles backing up near work zones to prevent unintended collisions with workers or traffic.
Maintaining Visibility and Awareness
Traffic control is only effective if drivers can see and react in time. Work zones should be equipped with bright, reflective signage, proper lighting for night work, and highly visible uniforms for workers. Regular communication, clear worksite layouts, and properly maintained traffic control setups ensure that construction crews and passing motorists stay safe throughout the project.
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