Tagged with 'roadside workers'

Per the Florida Department of Tranportation (FDOT) regulations on road and bridge construction, contractors must provide trained flaggers "...to direct traffic where one-way. Operation in a single lane is in effect and in other situations as required. 

 

The Worksite Traffic Supervisor or others as approved by the Department will provide training for flaggers."

 

Flaggers are often the first line of defense for roadside and highway crews (see poster).
Basic skills include:

 

 

• The Right Signals for stopping, alerting and allowing traffic to proceed


• The Right Gear Class II or Class III high visibility vests, shirts and foul-weather gear


• The Right Sign Spacing stopping sight distances


• The Right Setup


• The Right Training Per jurisdiction









• The Right Practices:

• stand on shoulder in clear view


• always face traffic


• use clear hand signal


• stay alert


• always stand up


• use authorized communication devices

 

Flaggers must be trained per the MUTCD Section 6E (Flagger Control), and Design Standards
Index 600 (Flagging Operations and Night Time Flagging) and (General
Information for Traffic Control through Work Zones). The field demonstration
shall be a dexterity test using hand-signaling devices (STOP/SLOW paddle and
flag) during flagging type operations and placement of traffic control devices.
Instructors may use training videos, handouts, computer based training, or
other methods to ensure that the flagger has demonstrated knowledge and
proficiency in flagging operations (per FDOT). No formal submittal of this course to the
MOTC for review is required. No time requirement is set for the training, but
the instructor will be required to keep a record of persons they have
successfully trained and the date they were trained.

Fundamental issues for increasing highway worker safety include:







Workers need gear such as these water-repellent bombers that keep you warm, dry and visible. What's more, they're ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 3 compliant - meaning their usable in the most high speed conditions. These economy jackets are designed with a "stow-away" hidden collar hood and four pockets - 2 outside pockets, including a chest radio pocket and a right chest multi-use pocket with a zipper closure for extra warmth. Great protection and a great value.

The Great American Highway is decaying - it's crumbling, a part of the national infrastructure that badly needs a facelift. That said, highway construction zones are popping up everywhere.

• Give yourself adequate time to get where you're going. Ever notice you hit every red light only when you're late?


• Check the traffic patterns on TV, radio or internet websites prior to departure. You may even be able to plan a route around heavy traffic or construction areas.


• Take the time to read the signs. Signs can tell you how fast to go, what lies ahead and when congestion should clear up. they'll also tell you when you've exited the zone.


• Use your headlights even in the daytime. Making your vehicle more visible also helps roadside workers.


• Keep a safe distance. Unexpected stops are prevalant in construction zones and rear-end collisions are commonplace.


• Obey flaggers.


• No texting while driving. Talking on a cell phone, tuning the radio, eating, reading, or other similarly distracting activities can quickly lead to an accident.


• And most of all - SLOW DOWN! Many accidents can be avoided just by going a little slower. This increases your reaction time, and allows workers to more safely maneuver throughout the workzone.