Construction and road workers confront not only the threat of oncoming traffic but a constant barrage of bottles and abuse from enraged motorists. It is important to understand the importance of road work and maintenance and respect the road workers and their right to safety. In addition to the ever-present danger of traffic accidents, road workers are prone to heat stress, hearing problems, and occasional respiratory distress. Working on sites packed with roaring equipment can take a heavy toll on these workers.
A number of safety measures are taken to protect both workers and motorists alike. These include modern flagging operations; use of concrete median barriers; bright orange cones and barrels to separate traffic from workspace; highly reflective sheeting on orange work zone signs; rumble strips to alert motorists to road conditions; and reduced work zone speed limits with dedicated police enforcement. The safety and well-being of road workers can be improved with the following guidelines:
- Wearing sunscreen, a hat, and long-sleeved shirts to protect from sunburn, dehydration, and overheating.
- Drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes or so in very hot weather to help prevent dehydration.
- Managers should ensure that new employees are prepared to work in all types of traffic - They should feel comfortable using flagmen - workers who use flags to signal drivers and warn them that they're approaching a work site -and have enough road sense to never turn their back to oncoming traffic.
- New workers should be taught how to manoeuvre around massive pieces of equipment and to safeguard a site for optimal security.
- Use protective equipment and personal protective gear (such as hard hats and steel-toed shoes).
- Reflective clothing is also crucial, especially for night shift work.
- Noise levels should be monitored at all times to prevent hearing loss – it is suggested that workers wear earmuffs or earplugs to shield their eardrums from high decibels.
- There should be training in how to set up a safe work zone - You can't just get out there and flag and yell, 'Slow down,'" .There's a way to properly instruct vehicles to slow down and away to set up a work zone.
- Workers should be constantly reminded to remain vigilant and alert!
