eNEWSLETTERS

Road Construction Safety

Even though the temperatures are hot and most people want to avoid being outdoors as much as possible, you can NOT forget to pay attention to construction work zones.  During this time of year some construction work zone teams may work earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid prime time heat. 

• According to MSN.com, highway collisions are one of the top causes of on-the-job fatalities in America.  In 2008, there were nearly 720 highway construction zone fatalities throughout the nation.
• The CDC.gov found there were 3.3 million nonfatal injuries/illnesses reported across all constructions industries in 2009, in which 95 percent were injuries, while 5 percent were illnesses.

With these statistics in mind, follow these safety tips anytime you are driving through a construction work zone.
Remember to;

• Reduce your speed
• Keep in mind if you don’t reduce your speed, a speeding ticket in a work zone is usually double the fines because of the risk speeding poses to the health and safety of highway workers.
• Follow posted speed limits
• Throughout a work zone, the speed limits may change from time to time, pay attention to detail.
• Leave at least two car distances between you and the car in front of you.
• Keep your eyes open
• Watch out for road cones, un-level pavement, large obstructing objects, ext.
• Watch for flaggers
• You will most usually find a flagger at the beginning or end of a construction work zone.
• Remember to merge
• Merge slowly but remember never stop during a merge, this can cause pile up accidents.
• Pay attention to construction road signs
• These will usually tell you if there are bumps, turns, etc.
• Do not use your cell phone
• Avoid other possible distractions; yelling children, changing the radio station, fixing your hair, ext.
• Stay calm
• Keep your eyes on the road and take deep breathes.
• There are usually no sides to pull off on during a construction zone, so just stay focused.
• Leave early
• Give yourself enough time to get through construction zones without being in a hurry.  To find where constructions zones are taking place in your area, you can visit:
• Missouri: http://safeandsoundmap.modot.mo.gov/flex/SafeAndSound.html
• Arkansas: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/

For more on construction safety and health, please visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/construction/

Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/list_6809456_top-tips-highway-construction-work.html
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/construction/
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/construction/