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612 Work Zone Traffic Safety
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Risk Factors in the Work Zone

Flaggers, equipment operators, and other workers-on-foot (refers to any pedestrian worker on the ground in the work zone) are exposed to several risks, including being hit if they are not visible to vehicle or heavy equipment operators.

Work Zone Safety

Equipment Operator Risk Factors

Workers who operate construction vehicles or motorized equipment have an increased risk of injury due to rollovers, collisions, and being caught between or struck by operating equipment. Drivers experiencing long delays become impatient and can act unpredictably increasing worker exposure. Other driver conditions include drivers that are impaired, drowsy, distracted, or aggressive. Active work should not take place with traffic on both sides of the workers, on the same roadbed, unless there is positive protection.

Traffic Control in Work Zones

Flaggers and other workers assigned to traffic control responsibilities in the work zone work very close to motor vehicles and heavy equipment. This is a major reason for an increased risk of workers getting hit or run over. Therefore, they must be trained in traffic control techniques. Examples of conflicts for drivers, workers, and traffic regulators to consider when developing a TTCP include:

  • Congestion points
  • Roadway configuration, merging, tapering, and lane drops
  • Unstable traffic flow
  • Clear safety zone issues
  • Emergency vehicle access
  • Night work visibility
  • Confusing or conflicting signs, markings, and features.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-3. What is a major reason for the increased risk of getting hit or run over in a construction work zone?