Working in Traffic

Getting hit by a car or truck as it passes through a work zone is one of the leading causes of death for AFSCME members. Controlling traffic in work zones is critical for the protection of workers.

A proper traffic control program should:

• get the driver's attention in time to follow directions; 
  
  
• warn the driver of the situation ahead; 
  
  
• slow the vehicle; 
  
  
• guide the driver safely around the worksite; and 
  
  
• return the driver to the normal traffic flow.

Alerting drivers

Warning signs are the most common way to make drivers aware of work zones. The signs should be of standard color, shape, size and symbols. Flaggers are another way to let drivers know about road work being performed farther down the road.

Slowing traffic

It is difficult to get drivers to slow down when they enter construction zones. Reduced speed limits are the most common method used to slow down traffic. Other methods include:

• passing laws that double or triple fines for speeding tickets and having the law enforced; 
  
  
• having a police car stationed near the work zone; 
  
  
• sending a signal that sets off radar detectors; or 
  
  
• driving a vehicle through the work zone at a reduced speed to slow down all vehicles that are behind.

Guiding traffic around the worksite

Traffic control devices are used to “channel” vehicles when a traffic lane must be used. Devices used to channel traffic include cones, delineators, drums, vertical panels and barricades.

Lane closings should begin far enough in advance of the work zone to allow drivers to move gradually to a new lane. Traffic is tapered, or narrowed, and re-directed into another lane. Clear and easy-to-understand signs should alert drivers to lane closings and changes. Flaggers also warn and direct drivers.

Isolating the work zone Cones, drums and similar types of markers will not keep a car or truck from hitting workers. Concrete barriers are a good way to prevent vehicles from straying into a work zone. Other ways to decrease the chances of getting struck are to place objects that will absorb a collision between traffic and workers. A “crash cushion” (truck-mounted attenuator) is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7

Lighting and protective clothing

Make sure workers are as easy to see as possible. Workers should wear a bright orange vest or jacket. For night-time work, the vest or jacket should reflect light. Work zones should be well lighted if work is done in the dark. This reduces the chance of being struck by passing vehicles or by other equipment used on the job.

Laws to protect workers

The most widely accepted recommendations for traffic control are in Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices. It is a standard that has been developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (USDOT/FHWA) and has been adopted by OSHA and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI D6.1-1988).