Every city and town in America has construction crews out on their roads working to make travel safer and more convenient. But the life of a road construction worker can be hazardous. They face any number of challenges and risks every day, including the following:
- Collisions involving construction equipment injure workers regularly. Construction workers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times and equipment needs to be locked and secured to keep everyone safe.
- Slips and Falls. Road work often involves surfaces that are slippery with mud, ice, or snow or that are laden with tripping hazards. Again, workers need to be vigilant about knowing their surroundings so they can stay sure-footed on difficult terrain.
- Heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow can all make working conditions for construction workers more hazardous. Workers need to take breaks, wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, and take any other precautions necessary to protect themselves from the harmful effects of weather.
- There’s a lot of stuff out there that can hit construction workers including pieces of equipment, road debris, tree limbs, and many other things. Workers need to wear proper personal protection equipment and stay alert.
These are just a few of the dangers road construction workers face every day on the job. Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe:
- Training. Safety training is a must for construction workers. They must be trained on the right equipment to wear, how to use and operate equipment properly, how to stay alert, and how to care for themselves in different weather conditions. They need to also be given specific instructions surrounding the activities of the day.
- Communication. Road construction sites are busy places with lots of loud noises and activity going on. Workers need to understand clearly how to communicate with one another, how to watch out for each other, and how to avoid blind spots.
- PPE. Hats, gloves, boots, goggles, and reflective clothing are just a few examples of the types of PPE that construction workers might be required to wear while on the job. Keep this equipment clean and in good condition by storing it safely when not in use. Work truck toolboxes such as a high quality underbody toolbox are perfect places to keep safety gear prepped and ready to go.
Make Safety a Priority
Everyone on a road construction crew needs to take workplace safety seriously.
