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posts that will be used as part of the trafficcontrol plan. These standard devices should

also be used inside the work zone.

Work Zone Protec tionsVarious styles of concrete, water, sand, col-lapsible barriers, crash cushions, and truck-mounted attenuators are available to limitmotorist intrusions into the constructionwork zone.

FlaggingFlaggers and others providing temporarytraffic control should wear high visibilityclothing with a background of fluorescentorange-red or yellow-green and retroreflec-tive material of orange, yellow, white, silver,or yellow-green. In areas of traffic move-ment, this personal protective equipmentwill make the worker visible for at least1,000 feet, so that the worker can be seenfrom any direction, and make the workerstand out from the background. Check thelabel or packaging to ensure that the gar-ments are performance class 2 or 3.

Drivers should be warned in advance withsigns that there will be a flagger ahead.Flaggers should use STOP/SLOW paddles,paddles with lights, or flags (flags should beused only in emergencies.) The STOP signshould be octagonal with a red backgroundand white letters and border. The SLOWsign is the same shape, with an orangebackground and black letters and a border.

GeneralThere must be a traffic control plan for the

movement of vehicles in areas where thereare also workers conducting other tasks.Drivers, workers on foot, and pedestriansmust be able to see and understand theroutes they are to follow. The authority incharge, Federal, state, or local, will determinethe configuration of the temporary traffic con-trol zone for motorists and pedestrians. Theconstruction project manager will determinethe internal traffic control plan within the con-struction/demolition worksite. When thereare several projects, coordinated vehicleroutes and communication between contrac-tors will reduce vehicular struck-by incidents.

SignsStandard highway signs for information,speed limits, and work zones will assist driv-ers in identifying, in designated traffic paths,such directives as: EVACUATION ROUTE; DONOT ENTER; REDUCED SPEED AHEAD;ROAD CLOSED; and NO OUTLET. Using stan-dard highway signs for internal construction

worksite traffic control will assist workers inrecognizing the route they are to use at theconstruction site.

Traffic C ontrol DevicesStandard traffic control devices, signals, andmessage boards will instruct drivers to followa path away from where work is being done.

The authority in charge will determine theapproved traffic control devices such ascones, barrels, barricades, and delineator

FactSheetWork Zone Traffic SafetyTransportation incidents and workers struck by vehicles or mobile equipmentaccount for the highest number of fatal work injuries, according to the Bureau of

Labor Statistics. Workers such as em ergency responders, clean-up, utility, demo -

lition, construction, and others in areas where there are moving vehicles and traf-

f ic are ex po sed to being struck -by moving ve hic les. Work zo nes are us ed to move

traff ic in an app roved direc tio n an d are typic ally identif ied by signs, cones, bar-

rels, and barriers.

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LightingFlagger stations should be illuminated.Lighting for workers on foot and equipmentoperators is to be at least 5 foot-candles orgreater. Where available lighting is not suffi-cient, flares or chemical lighting should beused. Glare affecting workers and motorists

should be controlled or eliminated.

TrainingFlaggers should be trained/certified and usethe signaling methods required by theauthority in charge. Workers on foot, equip-ment operators, and drivers in internal workzones need to know the routes that construc-

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs,policies or

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements.For a comprehensive list ofcompliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999;teletypewriter (TTY) number:(877) 889-5627.

tion vehicles will use. Equipment operatorsand signal persons need to know the handsignals used on the worksite. Operators andworkers on foot need to know the visibilitylimits and the blind spots for each vehicleon site. Workers on foot should wear highvisibility safety garments designated as class

1, 2, or 3. Workers should be made aware ofthe ways in which shiftwork and nightworkmay affect their performance.

DrivingSeat belts and rollover protection should beused on equipment and vehicles as stated bythe manufacturer.

U.S.Department of Labor

w w w .o sha.gov

(800) 321-OSHA

For more complete information:

DOC 9/2005