Construction Law

How to Protect Road Construction Workers Part 2

Whenever you start road construction project, either as a contractor or as a worker, you are taking a risk. Unlike, vertical construction, which has its own risks, road construction is dangerous because you are often working while automobiles are nearby. Much of road construction is conducted at night, which opens workers up to threats from drunk and distracted drivers and criminals. While this segment of construction is vital to maintaining our nation’s infrastructure, workers need to be protected from potentially fatal injuries.

In the first part of our series, Orlando construction attorneys delved into traditional and unconventional methods in which construction companies can maintain a safe environment while on the road. In part two, we will continue with another round of tactics for protecting road construction workers.

Proper Training

One the keys to keeping road workers safe is proper training. This training should include safe ways to do their jobs, how to set up their work area, how to spot hazards, and the proper use of personal protective equipment. Workers involved in traffic control should understand the proper method for those tasks.

Maintain Proper Visibility

In terms of visibility, it’s important that you can spot approaching traffic and that drivers can spot workers. There are a number of methods for accomplishing that. Spotters can be used to alert workers of oncoming traffic. Communication is critical in this process. The hand signals that are used must be easy to understand. When working around vehicles or machinery, workers must avoid the operator’s blind spots. This can be done by looking for the operator. Their line of sight is limited and they may not see you if you don’t see them. Operators in turn should make sure that backup warning sounds and signals and mirrors work properly. Workers should wear reflective clothing at all times.

Separate Work Areas

An organized job site is a safe job site. As with many construction sites, there may be a number of tasks taking place simultaneously. Separating areas like equipment storage from heavy equipment areas can prevent workers from unintentionally wandering to an area where they are in the way of a moving vehicle.

If you would like to speak with an Orlando construction attorney, please contact us at 407.378.6575, or submit our contact request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.