Work zones - California

8 CCR 1597 – Jobsite vehicles

Jobsite vehicles are those vehicles operated on a jobsite exclusively and excluded from the provisions of applicable traffic and vehicular codes, and haulage and earthmoving vehicles. This section lists requirements for:

• Braking systems, including emergency brakes, parking brakes, and brake lights;
• Headlights and taillights;
• Windshields, wipers, seat belts (when a cab is present); and
• More.

Vehicles must be inspected to ensure they are in safe operating condition at the start of each work shift.

8 CCR 1598 – Traffic control for public streets and highways

This section requires traffic controls which conform to the California MUTCD anywhere there is a hazard to employees because of traffic or haulage conditions at work sites that are on our near public streets and highways. The section also refers employers to the MUTCD for specifications as to signs, lights, and devices used for traffic control.

Employees who are exposed to hazards from vehicular traffic must wear high-visibility clothing that meets requirements of the American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) 107-2004.

8 CCR 1599 – Flaggers

Flaggers must be used at locations where barricades and warning signs cannot control moving traffic. Employers should consult the CA MUTCD for guidance on the number of flaggers required, the high-visibility garments required for flaggers, the placement of warning signs, and more.

Note that some states have requirements for work zones and flaggers that fall under the state’s Department of Transportation regulations, in addition to the OSHA-related requirements listed here.

Related information

• Work zones

Citations

• Cal/OSHA Title 8, Chapter 4, Subchapter 4, Construction Safety Orders (includes 1597-1599)
• 1926.200(g) – Traffic control signs and devices
• 1926.201(a) – Flaggers
• 1926.651(d) – Exposure to vehicular traffic
• 1926.6 – Incorporation by reference, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), 2009 Edition
  • California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2014, Rev. 8 – Part 6