By K C Pawling, Road Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist
As NIRMA member counties gear up for another busy construction and maintenance season, now is an ideal time to reinforce a strong culture of safety within road departments. A proactive focus on work zone safety not only protects employees and the traveling public, but also supports NIRMA’s shared goal of reducing injuries, claims, and preventable losses across member counties.
Holding preseason safety meetings allows counties to discuss the risks associated with construction and maintenance work and to review best practices for traffic control and proper signage. Emphasizing safety before projects begin can help set expectations for the entire construction season and ensure crews are prepared for the hazards they will encounter.
Key Safety Training Areas
Safety training should address multiple aspects of work zone and equipment safety, including:
- Temporary traffic control and proper barricading
- Work zone signage and layout
- Flagger training and responsibilities
- Managing traffic through active work zones
- Heavy equipment operation
- Trenching and excavation hazards, including culvert installation
Creating a safe work environment requires attention to both physical conditions and human factors. The following areas deserve special attention as the construction season begins.
Fatigue
Staying aware of hazards on a job site is difficult even when employees are alert and well rested. Fatigue significantly increases risk and can impair judgment and reaction time in ways similar to alcohol impairment. Many counties operate on four day, ten hour schedules, which can contribute to fatigue over the course of a long workweek.
Flaggers are particularly vulnerable, as they often stand in one place for extended periods while maintaining constant awareness of traffic. Best practice is to rotate flaggers every couple of hours to allow for rest and recovery. For example, during a crack sealing operation, another crew member can periodically relieve the flagger. All county road department employees should complete Flagger Certification Training, with recertification every two years, to ensure consistency and compliance across member counties.
Distractions
Distractions on construction sites can quickly lead to serious incidents. Cell phones and other electronic devices are among the most common sources of distraction. Using these devices delays reaction time and reduces awareness of surrounding hazards.
Flaggers should be strictly prohibited from using phones or other devices while actively controlling traffic. A distracted flagger creates a dangerous situation not only for themselves, but for coworkers and motorists entering the work zone.
Speed Control in Work Zones
Motorist speed is a significant risk factor in many work zone incidents. Drivers may fail to slow adequately when approaching construction warning signs, even when workers are present.
To help address this issue, counties should consider adding an advisory speed plaque beneath the first advance warning sign, such as “Road Work Ahead.” On operations like crack sealing or patching, an advisory speed of 35 mph or lower can help reduce vehicle speeds before motorists reach the flagger. This advance warning provides drivers more time to react and stop safely if required.
Proper use of advance warning signs and advisory speeds not only improves safety for workers and motorists but also helps NIRMA member counties demonstrate reasonable care if a claim arises. On high-volume or highspeed roadways where compliance is an issue, coordination with the sheriff’s office for enforcement may be necessary.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Equipment Readiness
All employees should be provided with and required to use appropriate PPE, including:
- High visibility safety vests (Class 2 for daytime use, Class 3 for nighttime work)
- Eye and hearing protection
- Gloves and other task-specific protective equipment
First aid kits and fire extinguishers should be present in all county vehicles and readily accessible. Crews should also conduct daily walkaround inspections of equipment before use, correcting identified issues before work begins.
Contract and Project Review
The start of construction season is also a good time to review construction contracts to ensure:
- Required insurance coverage is clearly defined
- Responsibility for temporary traffic control is clearly assigned
- Signage requirements meet current standards
- Project timelines and completion expectations are documented
Thoughtful planning and consistent safety practices help protect employees, contractors, and the public while supporting the loss prevention goals shared by ALL NIRMA member counties.
By addressing these key areas, counties can begin the construction season with confidence, knowing they are taking practical steps to promote safety, reduce risk, and support a successful and incident free year.
If you need to get a training scheduled, you can contact me via email at kcpawling@nirma.info or phone at 402-310-4417. Let’s start the year with a focus on safety!
