Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Safety in Construction Zones

In honor of National Transportation Week, ASSE caught up with RoadSafe Senior VP Kathi Holst to learn how workers and motorists can stay safe in construction zones.
·         Construction Workers: Always be aware of your surroundings. Have a co-worker on guard if you ever have to turn your back toward traffic (which should be minimal). Become familiar with work zones and always have an escape path. Since many accidents occur between workers, be aware of other workers and of your surroundings. Use safety devices on your vehicle, such as back-up alarms and strobe lights. If you will be moving a vehicle, always make sure that you actually walk around the vehicle before you get in and move it. Don’t become desensitized to hazards.
·         Motorists: Respect the fact that construction workers are people. This is their place of employment, and we need to make sure that every employee goes home at the end of a shift in the same condition that they arrived in the morning. Slow down and pay close attention to signs and advanced warnings. Even if it is the same route you take everyday, do not become complacent. Construction could have changed overnight so be aware of message boards and pay attention. And always be prepared to stop.
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