Construction Law
Skills and Certifications for Construction Industry Flaggers in Memphis
Flaggers are an integral part of any project that requires you to redirect traffic to avoid the public coming into contact with the hazardous conditions on a jobsite. However, many construction professionals don’t realize that flaggers can’t be treated like any other worker. Flaggers require special skills, certifications, and training to perform their jobs.
As a contractor, you must be cognizant of your workers’ abilities and certifications to ensure that you are not only putting the right person on the job to maximize productivity, but also keeping your workers safe. If you need assistance with license defense, contract review, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance, and other construction-related legal matters, consult a Memphis contractor lawyer from Cotney Construction Law.
Flagger Skills
Memphis is growing, which means more flaggers are required to route traffic through construction zones. One of the most important skills a flagger can possess is communication skills. Flaggers need to be able to communicate calmly and effectively with other flaggers, construction workers, and commuters. Typically, more than one flagger is required to redirect traffic. If a flagger fails to communicate with other flaggers when they need to close a lane or alternate two-way traffic flow along a single lane, this could lead to increased traffic or even automobile accidents. Another important skill is the ability to stand for long periods of time while remaining alert and utilizing tools like flags, signs, and paddles to direct traffic.
Flagger Certifications
Flaggers ensure that commuters reach their destination as quickly as possible despite the delays inherent to large-scale construction projects like building bridges or repaving roads. Flaggers don’t need a degree, but most states (including Tennessee) require special certifications.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) 2015 Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, flaggers must be trained and certified by the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), National Safety Council (NSC), or Tennessee Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP). In addition, all certified flaggers must be provided with the proper attire and, in some instances, a paddle to capably navigate traffic through active construction zones. TDOT also permits flaggers to be trained through programs conducted by construction industry associations, consultant organizations, and contractors who meet all Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requirements.
To learn more about acquiring the proper certifications for your flaggers, consult the Memphis contractor lawyers at Cotney Construction Law. Our dedicated team of construction law attorneys can assist you with all of your construction-related legal needs including contract review, license defense, OSHA compliance, lien law, bond law, and more.
If you would like to speak with a Memphis contractor lawyer, please contact us today.
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.