Warmer weather means that roadwork season is in full effect, with more work zones appearing on interstates, highways, and streets. This is also the time of year when more travellers are on the road, increasing potential hazards for construction crews.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, roadway collisions are a leading cause of worker deaths in construction. Implementing critical risk management strategies is essential to protecting workers and mitigating these dangers. Organizations focusing on risk management in construction projects can significantly reduce incidents and improve overall safety outcomes.
Have a Plan
Every road construction project should begin with a transportation management plan. This includes a traffic control plan to safely manage vehicles through the work zone and an internal flow plan for construction vehicles, equipment, and workers. Many Australian consultancies, including ImpressSolutions, emphasize the importance of structured planning as part of effective workplace risk assessment.
Properly Control Traffic
Work zones should have advanced warning areas with clear signage, transition zones for lane closures, buffer zones, and termination areas to guide traffic back to normal. All traffic control devices must comply with the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and local requirements.
Create Separate Work Areas
Busy work zones often host multiple activities simultaneously. Cones, barrels, and barriers should clearly delineate areas such as material storage, equipment operation zones, vehicle parking, and safe walkways for personnel.
Wear Proper Safety Equipment
Personnel should wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, steel-toed boots, highly visible clothing, and hearing protection when needed. All PPE should meet ANSI standards, and high-visibility garments must comply with Class 2 or 3 standards.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Always be mindful of moving vehicles and heavy equipment. Workers should avoid walking behind backing vehicles or entering swing zones, and where possible, maintain visual contact with operators. Spotters can enhance safety by monitoring both equipment and traffic.
Avoid Blind Spots
Operators of vehicles and machinery such as dump trucks, compactors, and excavators should ensure all mirrors, alarms, and visual aids are functioning. Workers on foot should stay visible to operators and never assume they are seen.
Have a Competent Person on Hand
A competent person, someone able to identify hazards and take corrective action, is vital for conducting workplace risk assessment, selecting appropriate PPE, and approving traffic control measures. Firms like ImpressSolutions recommend assigning a competent person to every work zone to enforce safety protocols.
Start Each Workday with a Safety Meeting
Briefing workers daily on hazards and scheduled activities ensures everyone is aware of the unique risks of the day. This also confirms that PPE and safety protocols are in place.
Implement a Site-Specific Safety Program
Each project has unique hazards. A tailored safety program should include hazard identification, control measures, inspection schedules, emergency response plans, and training routines. Leveraging expertise in critical risk management ensures that potential risks are proactively mitigated.
Stay Hydrated
Road construction workers face heat-related risks due to asphalt absorbing sunlight and high temperatures. Regular hydration and breaks in shaded areas are essential to prevent heatstroke, dehydration, and fatigue.
By incorporating risk management in construction projects, regular workplace risk assessment, and structured planning, roadwork teams can significantly reduce incidents and improve safety culture practices.
