7/25/2019 Rc Road Works Safety

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Road WorksOn average, annually, over 800deaths occurred in highwaywork zones in mostindustrialised countr ies. Thisnumber has continued to rise eachyear and shows no signs ofslowing. The dangers in thesework zones are associated with

construction personnel andequipment located a few feet frommotorists. Drivers can beconfused or disoriented in theunfamiliar surroundings of roadconstruction areas.

There are several ways tominimise these dangers, the twomost important are preplanningand training. When planning roadwork, remember to cover thefollowing key areas:

ALWAYS keep motoristsalways in mind. Motorists onlygenerally reduce their speedby an average of only10 kphthrough work zones. They canalso be confused by the signs,flashing lights, barricades,flag-men, etc. Plan your workarea to perm it traffic flow withclear, simple signs orbarricades that are easy

Within Royal CommissionAreas, Traffic Plans arerequired to be submitted.These go through a number oseparate departments toensure that all aspects arecovered. These include theConstruction Dept, the Roads

Department, Security andeven the local traffic police.

ALWAYS ensue thatmodifications andrecommendations made areput fully into place.

Inspect your work zone atleast twice daily [at the startand the finish] to ensure thatall of the protective devicesare in place and functioning

Inspect the area at the close othe day when darkness falls. Imodifications need to be madefor night traffic, make sure theare complete before leavingthe site.

Use a flagman if required.Depending on the site, 2-wayradio communication maybeneeded.

to understand. The workzone should also be set up tobest protect the work forceand equipment fromoncoming traffic.

Use only the equipment andpersonnel you need for the

job. Extra equipment andpersonnel only increase thepotential for accidents; a lesscrowded area is easier tomanage.

Train personnel in all aspectsof the dangers, controls,protective measures, and workplan. Continue to keep theminformed and trained inchanges or new procedures tokeep safety on their minds.

Include them in the planning!They may have some greatideas, past experiences thatyou can use, or questionsabout something you mighthave overlooked.

Require and enforce the use ofsafety equipment. ReflectiveHi-Visibility vests, tape, hardhats, safety glasses, and atnights lights, etc. are allimportant. Remember Makeyour workers, the works andequipment is visible.

Design and position yourbarricades and signs toprovide clear, visibleinformation as well as the bestprotection. Make sure thatsigns and barricades changewhen conditions change.