Working in the roadside construction industry comes with a unique set of dangers. Whether you feel worried about fast-moving traffic or cramped working areas, you should account for several things to keep you and your team safe. So, if you’re looking to start a road construction project soon, take some time to familiarize yourself with these tips for protecting workers on roadside construction sites.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
First, you want to make sure that everyone on your team wears their regulation safety gear. This includes items like thick work gloves, a hard hat, and safety glasses. Reflective vests will play a large role in roadside construction projects as well since they allow passing drivers to notice you—even in low-visibility conditions. Other items to consider are clothing articles. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are vital for providing extra skin coverage and protecting yourself from burns or cuts.
Keep Control of Oncoming Traffic
Since a primary hazard on road construction sites is the constant flow of traffic, you also want to make sure you’re keeping speeds under control. Professional traffic flaggers provide drivers with the proper instructions to ensure they drive at manageable paces while they’re near roadwork. They’re one of the most important lines of defense against reckless or distracted drivers, and they allow everyone to make it through the area unharmed.
Designate Safe Walking Areas
Just like you’ll need to keep passing traffic contained, you’ll want to ensure your workers know where it’s safe for them to walk. Construction sites are dangerous places by nature. As such, labeling which areas are safe for taking breaks and eating lunches is critical for reducing the risk of equipment accidents. Blocking these areas off with barricades and marking them so that the entire team can see them are highly effective practices.
Know Who to Contact Following an Accident
Our most important tip for protecting workers on roadside construction sites, though, is to ensure you and your team know who to call should an accident occur. Despite our best efforts, construction accidents can still happen, and understanding the next steps is vital to getting the help you need. So, after a collision, you should call the police, receive medical attention, and potentially contact a personal injury lawyer to file for compensation. If you’re aware of all this, you know that you have all the necessary resources at your disposal.
