Guiding traffic around/through road construction projects is a risky task. Thousands of motorists are killed annually in work zones, as are hundreds of construction employees (not to mention over 20,000 worker injuries per year per Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data). There are several factors for this, the most frequent from a motorist standpoint being speeding (the #1 reason) and driver inattention (e.g. cell phones).
There is no question that many motorists could benefit from defensive driver training every now and again, but what can a contractor do to prevent their employees from being injured/killed at a roadside construction project?
It always helps to begin with acknowledging the situation or conditions at “the workplace” (the construction site). Construction employees work in conditions of low lighting, low visibility, inclement weather, and often in congested areas with exposure to high traffic volume and speeds. What’s more- the work environment changes daily if not several times each day.
Since this is a blog, we can’t go into much detail, however, a few considerations of reducing risk and protection of workers at roadside construction sites include the following:
v Manual for Uniform Traffic Control (MUTC): This is the “bible” of traffic control. It is published by the US Department of Transportation and can be downloaded for free at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009/pdf_index.htm. The manual is updated every few years, the most recent update being published just last month (Dec 2009). This manual contains over 800 pages and includes hundreds of illustrations. “Part 6” is the section that specifies details for temporary traffic control (TTC). It goes into detail with regard to signage, placement of signs, barriers, escape routes, and other physical requirements. Chapter 6E states the requirements for flaggers. All states have adopted MUTC, however, several states have elected to add supplemental regulations. Check with your state DOT for details (their website is typically the most efficient means of acquiring this information).
v Flagger Considerations: In many states, there is a requirement for flaggers that control traffic to be “certified” (required to participate in a minimum type and length of training). In my home state (NC), there is not currently a requirement for certification. Really, when you think about how many occupations require some level of training/certification, this may sound unbelievable. MUTC does require, however, that the person in charge of the TTC is required to be “trained” and/or “certified”. A few years ago, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) put together some recommendations after an extensive study of work zone safety.
In summary, flagger considerations should include the following:
Ø Train all flaggers consistent with their level of responsibility and work zone conditions. Flaggers should know the traffic flow, the work zone setup, and proper placement of channelizing devices. There should be a briefing daily before work begins.
Ø Assign each flagger responsibility for monitoring operations in his or her immediate work area. Authorize flaggers to recommend to the traffic control supervisor that operations be temporarily halted and the hazard corrected when they see a hazard threatening the safe movement of traffic through the work zone. Authorize flaggers to halt operations in the event a hazard arises and the traffic control supervisor is not in the immediate area.
Ø Train flaggers to maintain sufficient distance from other highway workers, so that they can be identified by passing motorists.
Ø In the event multiple flaggers are required, ensure they have the appropriate sight distance or two-way radios to communicate effectively.
Ø Avoid using flaggers whenever possible. Use alternative traffic management systems such as lane shifts, portable traffic signals, or remote signaling devices operated by workers away from the flow of traffic.
Ø Use alternatives to flaggers when traffic control is required under hazardous conditions such as high traffic speeds, inclement weather, night work, and other conditions which limit visibility.
Ø Develop flagger training program(s) that provide core competencies and are flexible enough to address varying work situations (in other words- “certification”).
Ø This goes without saying, but requiring the appropriate reflective vests/equipment is vital (ANSI/ISEA 107–2004 publication entitled “American National Standard for High-Visibility Apparel and Headwear” and related ANSI standards should be consulted/adhered to). Equipment is also detailed in the MUTC. Since technology/equipment changes frequently, it is important to adhere to the latest standards (in this case the 2009 edition).
v Illumination: This deserves a separate “bullet”, since this is one of the most prevalent causal factors of accidents in construction work zones. There are also changes in the 2009 MUTC guidelines, and OSHA is taking a closer look at lighting requirements (“foot-candles”) of sites. State Departments Of Transportation (DOT) are requiring more work to be done at night, so obviously this becomes an even greater consideration.
For additional reading, consult http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/index.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/constructionsafety/. The AGC (http://www.agc.org/) and http://www.nuca.com are private construction associations that not only publish excellent information for members, but have training and other related resources for businesses.
REF:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Building Safer Highway Work Zones
