As recently as September, a traffic flagger was killed on the job in a Queens, N.Y., work zone. It's a crucial reminder that work zone safety never takes a backseat. And flaggers are among the most vulnerable road construction crew members. Laws are in place to control drivers in work zones, but contractors can do their part to protect flaggers.
The 44-year-old woman was standing in a construction safety zone when she was struck in a hit-and-run accident, according to abc7ny.com.
In October 2024, a female flagger was hit by an SUV in Lancaster County, Pa.
Glare from the sun blinded a driver who was traveling below the speed limit through a construction zone and fatally struck the flagger.
"Every day our workers risk their lives in name of highway safety," Marie Therese Dominguez, New York DOT commissioner, said after the September death.
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She called the accident "a stark reminder" to drivers to slow down, move over, pay attention, respect work zones and "keep all of our workers safe."
When accidents like these happen, drivers are reminded to take cautions. But what responsibility falls on state agencies to keep flaggers safe?
Automatically Assisting Flaggers
Some states are turning to automated devices and systems to protect road workers from oncoming traffic in work zones.
The Connecticut DOT has implemented a new tool designed to do just that for hundreds of workers on state roads and the drivers who cruise past them.
According to the Hartford Courant, automated flagger assistance devices (AFAD) are now on Connecticut roads in work zones across the state.
"This technology will take the place of road workers who hold the ‘stop' or ‘slow' signs when road work is taking place," the state DOT announced.
The user employs a tablet to remotely control traffic lights and a safety bar. The crew member with the tablet is safely stationed away and out of the roadway. When traffic is signaled to stop, the safety bar will come down and the light will turn red, according to the newspaper.
Once it's safe to proceed, the bar comes up and the lights turn yellow and flash for the driver to continue through the work zone.
CTDOT said the devices were implemented for the safety of the state's road workers. Eight devices were initially deployed around the state.
"The results so far have been really positive," said Eva Zymaris, CTDOT spokesperson. "So we'll keep testing these devices and hopefully expand the program in the future."
According to Ryan Powers, DOT maintenance general supervisor, the devices have a 360-degree recording system. He said the system logs the records for evidence in case of accidents or dangerous driver situations.
According to Powers, drivers spot the device and know they need to slow down and obey the law.
The state hopes to expand the use of the technology so it's more visible to drivers and becomes synonymous with a flagger on the roadway, Zymaris said.
"There is still that human component of it, that our employee is now the one who is controlling these devices," she told the Hartford Courant.
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She reiterated that worker safety is the end goal in the implementation of this technology: "We're doing what we can to keep our workers safe."
"These are critical tools to help us with that, but we really need the public to do their part as well. We can't do this alone," she said.
Often Overlooked Road Crew Role
During a two-year period from 2020 to 2022, highway work zone fatalities were most often the result of workers on foot struck by vehicles, at 51.7 percent.
Workers driving or riding in a motor vehicle was the next most often cited reason for fatalities, according to EHSLeaders.org.
Slips, trips, falls, electrocutions and caught in or between objects or equipment was the third most often cited event resulting in worker deaths.
EHSLeaders reminds contractors that road workers themselves need to be aware of their surroundings and the hazards that can result in an accident.
"To do so is challenging even when the worker is refreshed and focused," the organization noted in a blog. More so when the worker is drowsy or distracted.
"Working while tired can be as dangerous as working while intoxicated," according to the clearinghouse. "With more work done at night or on weekend shifts, the potential for worker fatigue grows."
The blog noted that distractions also can lessen risk awareness on the job and cited cell phones as a major source of distraction. Though most agencies prohibit the use of personal devices while working, more work tasks involve crew members using these devices in their job duties.
"Using these devices can reduce work accuracy and increase reaction times," stressed the EHSLeaders clearinghouse.
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The organization believes other ways to improve worker safety include minimizing night work hazards.
"For workers, it's important to compensate for the effect night work will have on their bodies by maintaining healthy eating and sleeping habits," it said. "Workers should also take extra precautions at the work site when doing night work."
To increase visibility, workers should wear retro-reflective clothing, which appears to light up when illuminated by headlights.
They also should wear flashing lights on the body or clothing, put retro-reflective tape on equipment and use good work area lighting.
To know their surroundings, workers should know the vehicle and equipment paths, the assigned work areas and the safe paths to and from work.
On foot, they must watch out for equipment. On equipment, workers must watch out for other workers.
EHSLeaders urges employers and contractors to consult the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD).
The MUTCD sets road manager standards nationwide for traffic control devices on streets, highways, pedestrian and bicycle facilities and public roadways.
Published by the FHWA, the guide compiles national standards for all traffic control devices, including road markings, highway signs and traffic signals.
Providing Safe Zone for Workers, Public
Flaggers must take responsibility for their safety, but their employers can help guarantee every crew member goes home at the end of the day.
Contractors who need a refresher can turn to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The organization has a list of measures to take to prevent road worker injuries from vehicles and equipment.
Contractors, contracting agencies and others responsible for work zone safety face challenges in providing a safe workplace, said the EHSLeaders blog.
They must all guarantee the workplace is safe even as they ensure the safe movement of the public through the work zone.
To achieve this twofold goal, stakeholders must consider work zone layout, the use of temporary traffic control devices and motorist education and speed enforcement.
They have to keep flaggers in mind, have crew wear high-visibility apparel and illuminate the work zone.
Employers must develop and implement internal traffic control plans. They also must demand accountability and coordination at the work site.
Equipment operation and maintenance are critical to the safety of workers, including flaggers. Safe equipment operation around workers on foot is critical.
Training and certification are key, as are changes in the contracting practice that commit to worker safety.
Laboratory and field research as well as data and recordkeeping should all revolve around safety in the work zone.
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Oregon DOT reminds drivers that workers around Oregon put their lives on the line to keep state roads safe clear and flowing smoothly.
"From construction crews and flaggers to tow truck drivers and incident responders, these workers are often just feet or inches away from passing vehicles."
The agency stressed the fact that these workers "are real people — our neighbors, friends and family" out every day improving the roads drivers rely on.
"As drivers, we owe it to them to slow down, stay alert and move over when we can. Their safety is in our hands," said Kris Strickler, ODOT director.
The agency made the statement during April's Work Zone Safety Week, but said the message is about making every day safer for those who keep the state moving.
"Every driver has the power to prevent work zone crashes," said Amy Ramsdell, ODOT delivery and operations administrator.
The agency stressed that work zones are a shared space. Drivers are part of the work zone and their choices impact the safety of those working in it.
ODOT's message stands for contractors and crew members, as well. First, drivers must pay attention. Distracted driving is a top cause of work zone crashes.
Slow down. Speed limits in work zones are set for everyone's safety. Follow them. Move over. It's state law, ODOT stressed.
"When you see roadside workers, emergency responders or maintenance crews, move over or slow down five miles below the speed limit.
Plan ahead. Check TripCheck.com or call 511 for up-to-date road and work zone conditions. And remember that fines double in work zones.
And these fines apply to drivers even if workers aren't present in the construction zone at the time. CEG
