Road Building Tips to Improve Worker Safety

Road building projects can be hazardous environments if the right measures aren’t taken. By utilizing proper safety protocols and being proactive, crews can greatly reduce the chance of accidents and injuries. In this blog post, we’ll cover key road construction tips and best practices.

Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE)

PPE is a critical part of safeguarding workers on road building jobsites. Each person on the site should wear the appropriate gear, like hard hats, high visibility vests or clothing, safety glasses, gloves, and steel toed boots. Personal protective equipment acts as a barrier against possible dangers, including falling objects, flying debris, or accidental contact with heavy machinery. We also recommend using ear protection whenever jackhammers and other loud noises are present.

Set up effective traffic control measures

Road building jobsites near active streets require comprehensive traffic control measures to protect workers and ensure the continuing flow of cars. Utilizing clearly marked signs, barricades, and traffic cones can help redirect vehicles, while flaggers and traffic controllers should be used to help guide motorists safely through the construction zone.

Put up signage and warnings

Correctly placed signage is important for letting drivers know about the presence of construction activities ahead. Use clear and highly visible signs that indicate roadwork zones, lane closures, detours, reduced speed limits, and any potential hazards. Additionally, electronic message boards can be used to convey real time information and warnings to drivers, so that they remain vigilant and cautious.

Don’t forget normal equipment precautions

Regular maintenance and inspections of your heavy equipment are critical for avoiding malfunctions and accidents. Operators should complete routine checks to ensure that machinery, tools, and vehicles are in good working condition. You should never put yourself between a hauling truck backing into the hopper and the paver, and always keep a safe distance away from dump trucks while the bed is in motion and when the paver hopper wings are in operation. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re not exceeding equipment capabilities or capacities.

Watch the weather conditions

The weather can seriously affect your road building job. Stay alert and keep an eye on the forecast. Extreme weather conditions, like heavy rain, strong winds, or snowfall can create serious dangers on the worksite. Take appropriate measures and stop working if conditions become unsafe, ensuring the well being of all workers.