Employees perform their jobs in work zones all year long, but as temperatures continue to rise in the Spring, the number of workers taking on duties away from facilities increases. Safety in work zones is always critical, but its importance grows as more employees work in areas where they’re exposed to a host of potential dangers related to traffic.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), work zone dangers don’t stop with vehicles. Falls and electrical hazards are also common in work zones and there are numerous hazards related to the equipment workers on a regular basis, meaning a complete approach to safety is always needed.
In fact, there are four major areas to consider when reviewing and improving work zone safety:
1. Driving
Passing motorists can be a major safety concern, but so can the vehicles driven by workers. To boost overall work zone safety, businesses should ensure all vehicles have appropriate rollover protection and seat belts, as directed by equipment specifications. Whether they’re driving to and from the work site or working closely with dangerous machinery attached to vehicles, employees need to be protected from the equipment they interact with throughout the course of their projects.
2. Flagging
Flaggers play vital roles in controlling traffic approaching work zones, which allows for other workers to focus more completely on the task at hand. Flaggers also face additional risks as the first line of defense between vehicles and employees. For that reason, it’s essential flaggers are as visible as possible. Fluorescent and retroreflective clothing provide a high degree of visibility, regardless of the conditions.
3. Lighting
Night and low-light conditions can contribute to safety concerns in work zones, but are easy to solve using proper lighting. Lighting can come in the form of five foot-candles or even flares and chemical lighting when electrical lighting can’t clearly illuminate workers.
4. Training
Keeping flaggers aware and informed of proper signaling methods helps them work as safely as possible. Don’t overlook this critical – albeit less tangible – element of work zone safety.
Want to learn more about safe, effective operations inside work zones? Give us a call at (877) 859-2155!
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