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Work zones for construction activities

Highway and street construction workers are at risk of injury and death when working near passing motorists, construction vehicles, and heavy equipment. These injuries and fatalities occur in what is known as the “work zone” and are usually the result of:

Inadequate traffic control procedures.
Poor construction vehicle and equipment maintenance. An example is malfunctioning warning devices.
Poorly designed work zones.
Failure to establish and follow policies and procedures for worker safety.

Scope

All employers with employees exposed to hazards in the work zone.

Regulatory citations

29 CFR 1926.201(a) — Flaggers
29 CFR 1926.651(d) — Exposure to vehicular traffic
29 CFR 1926.200(g) — Traffic control signs and devices

Key definitions

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD): Recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all public roads. Part 6 of the MUTCD is devoted to temporary work zones. Many state transportation agencies adopt the MUTCD or have regulations that go beyond the MUTCD requirements.
Work zone: The area between the first warning sign and the last traffic control device. The work zone can also include non-roadway areas (e.g., shoulders and drainages), staging areas, and support areas for the work zone (e.g., temporary batch plants).

Summary of requirements

Employers must:

Protect employees from hazards encountered in the work zone.
Provide the necessary personal protective equipment.
Comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (1988 Edition, Revision 3, or the Millennium Edition).
Provide the necessary employee training.