Work Zone Safety
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Health & Safety (HSE)Work Zone Safety

Work Zone Safety

0.25 Hrs
SKU: RVCT-909

A “work zone” is an area of roadway associated with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities. Work zones are typically marked by a combination of signs, channeling devices, pavement markings, and/or work vehicles. Because they are often adjacent to active roadways, work zone workers are exposed to significant risks. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians traveling through and around work zones also face significant risks.

Roadways and work activities differ, and weather, traffic volumes, and local environments also vary, so a “one size fits all” approach to work zone safety is not appropriate. However, there are policies, procedures, and guidelines which do apply. These are all covered in this module.

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Work Zone Safety
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Course Details

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define the term “work zone”
  • List hazardous conditions that work zones can present
  • Describe the components of a “Transportation Management Plan,” which can include a “Temporary Traffic Control” plan, “Transportation Operations” plan, and “Public Information” plan
  • Describe the purpose and contents of the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices”
  • Identify and describe “positive protection devices,” “exposure control measures,” and “other traffic control measures”
  • Identify the four areas of a work zone
  • Describe the elements of an “Internal Traffic Control Plan” for a work zone
  • List safe behaviors to use when driving in or around work zones

Specs

Course Level
Intermediate
Languages
English
Compatibility
Audio, Video
Based on:
Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule, 23 CFR § 630.1002-1016 (2015). Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 23 CFR § 655.603 (2015).

Author | Vector Solutions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three fundamental ways to improve work zone safety and reduce work zone crashes?

There are three ways: reduce the number of work zones (by performing higher quality work and using higher quality materials), reduce the duration of work zone projects, and remove or reduce traffic in work zones.

Where can I find out more information on traffic control devices, including the design and placement of these devices?

The Federal Highway Administration’s “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD) sets minimum standards, provides guidance for usage and setup, and ensures uniformity of traffic control devices in the U.S.

Does the “Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule” apply to all road work projects?

This rule requires state and local governments who receive federal-aid highway funding to establish work zone safety and mobility policies for all federally-funded highway projects. State and local agencies are encouraged, but not required, to extend these policies to non-federal-aid projects.

What are some examples of “positive protection devices” for work zones?

Portable concrete barriers, moveable concrete barriers, ballast-filled barriers, shadow vehicles with shock-absorbing attenuators, and vehicle arrest systems.

What are some examples of “exposure control measures” for work zones?

Road closures, ramp closures, rolling roadblocks, accelerated construction techniques, and working during weekend and/or nighttime hours

Sample Video Transcript

The manual on uniform traffic control devices specifies four work zone areas. One, the advance warning area, where road users are informed of work activities ahead. One or more signs may be used here with or without warning lights. Two, the transition area, where road users are redirected from their normal path. Channeling devices and pavement markings are often used in this area. Three, the activity area, where work activities take place. Workspaces, traffic spaces, and buffer spaces must be clearly defined in this area by channeling devices or temporary barriers. And, four, the terminations area, where road users return to their normal path. This area ends at the last traffic control device such as an “End Road Work” sign. Guidelines and worksheets for all four areas are fully detailed in the MUTCD.

Additional Resources

  • US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
  • FHWA Office of Operations – www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov
  • Office of Operations Work Zone Safety – http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/final_rule.htm

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