According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers being struck by vehicles traveling through roadway construction zones is the number one cause of fatal workplace injuries. Construction workers, emergency responders, roadway clean-up personnel and utility workers can all be exposed to hazards of being struck by passing motorists. To address these hazards, work zones were created to help move traffic in an approved direction and are typically identified by signs, cones, barrels, and barriers. Speed reduction is often the first step toward promoting safety through work zones.
In order for drivers and pedestrians to be protected, work zone signage, barriers and lane tapers must be carefully addressed. The authority in charge of the construction site must follow The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) a document created by the Federal Highway Administration under the auspices of the United States Department of Transportation that prescribes specific standards for road signage, lane markings, etc. to maintain uniform and recognizable messaging to drivers. Traffic control devices such as signals and message boards are also helpful in instructing drivers to follow a path within the construction site. These safety precautions help in reducing workers being struck by vehicles as well as injuries to drivers in collisions with other traffic or work vehicles.
In addition to the federal standards, states also regulate local roads through their departments of transportation. The National Safety Council, The American National Standards Institute and other safety organizations provide advisory literature and standards covering such things as flaggers, illumination, and reflective clothing to help promote worker safety. If you, a friend, family member or neighbor has been seriously injured in a highway accident, please do not hesitate to contact us.
At Morici, Longo & Associates, we understand the complexities of construction site accidents. Our team of construction site accident lawyers is not afraid to fight for the justice that you and your family deserve. We will do what it takes to ensure you and your loved ones receive the fair and just compensation to which you are entitled.
Resource Used: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/work_xone_traffic_safety.pdf