One of the significant risks that roadside workers are exposed to is being hit and injured by moving vehicles. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and HSE (Healthy and Safety Executive) have now provided strict guidelines to employers about roadside workers’ safety.

Roadside work zones are hazardous for both workers and pedestrians. 1186 motorists have been killed in construction and maintenance zones since 2002, while 76% of roadway work zone fatal occupational injuries have been caused by transportation events where workers have been hit. Considering the increasing number of injuries and fatalities each year, OSHA has administered regulations for employers to impose and workers to follow.

At Metro Safety, we offer a two-day standardized course on Traffic Control Person Training (TCP) to ensure proper traffic control, which prevents workers from getting hurt. Furthermore, our occupational first-aid courses in BC assist you in professionally dealing with construction zone fatalities. Know more about our training here.

Here are a few essential steps for employers to ensure roadside workers’ safety.

Provision of Protective Work Wear

The HSE highly recommends the provision of protective attire to workers. It includes protective clothing, shoes, helmets, and shielding goggles for eyes. It is essential to consider the weather conditions before manufacturing proper work wear as well.

The protective work wear should not restrict mobility and must be high visibility. Use neon or bright colored fabric for the clothing to indicate a worker’s presence on the roadside. 

Conduct Risk Assessments

One of the essential administrative procedures supervisors must follow is to conduct risk assessments on-site to ensure workers’ safety. According to the Hazard Identification and Assessment guidelines by OSHA, managers must collect data about potential risks on the worksite, investigate past injuries and illnesses in the area, and determine the likelihood of incidents during their risk assessment.

Supervisors must prepare a plan that outlines measures to prevent or mitigate the risks identified during the assessment.

Provision of Safety Training

The most practical step to ensure workers’ safety on the roads is to provide safety training and first-aid courses. With the same level of information and training, all the workers can be aware of the risks and take precautionary measures to ensure their protection.

According to the Health and Safety Law, the employer’s primary responsibility is to educate their workers on road safety through proper training and first-aid courses. They must ensure their wellbeing and health during work hours. Metro Safety is an excellent option for first-aid training in Vancouver.

We, at Metro Safety, provide workplace safety courses in BC. Our in-depth training equips workers with the skills to remain cautious and work efficiently while keeping themselves safe. We also offer different first-aid courses in case of fatalities and emergencies. Connect with us to know more.