Taking Care with Traffic at the Work Site

Understanding the big picture of how the task, locale, equipment, and people must interact safely and efficiently on the worksite is one of the biggest challenges on any utility project because there are multiple variables that crews must assess and manage.

Exposure to traffic is one of the biggest risks on any jobsite that is near roadways. Upon arrival at the work site, the crew should conduct a site hazard review and follow established protocol for traffic control. If you determine during the site survey and set-up that the jobsite is not safe, you should not operate in the area until you can make it safe for your crews, your equipment and the community.

Other Things to Remember:

Set up signs before and after the work area to warn drivers as they approach.

Consider limited visibility during night and poor weather conditions, which may require earlier advance warning for approaching vehicles.
Don’t forget to consider pedestrian traffic, and additional protections needed, such as covering open holes.
Set up road cones or barricades and signs to divert traffic away from the work area, as needed.
Clear the area of bystanders and miscellaneous obstacles and jobsite debris, including downed power lines and fallen tree limbs.
Always be aware of the boom’s trajectory before you begin operating. Never operate the boom or platform in a position where it can be exposed to the path of open traffic lanes. Now that your crew is ready, it is time to prepare the site for operation — follow established protocol for traffic control, setting up road cones or barricades and signs to divert traffic away from the work area. It is the crews’ responsibility to know and implement proper set-up procedures once the site conditions have been assessed.

Understanding the big picture of how the task, locale, equipment, and people must interact safely and efficiently on the worksite is one of the biggest challenges on any utility project because there are multiple variables that crews must assess and manage.
Finally, don’t forget that OSHA and states have more information available which may apply concerning Uniform Traffic Control requirements.