Hazard Analysis — Work Zone Struck-by Injuries and Fatalities

Problem:

Workers that pave and patch concrete and asphalt may face hazards from work zone struck-by injuries and fatalities.

Risk Description:

Workers performing highway construction and maintenance may be at risk of work zone struck-by injuries. The lack or improper use of safety equipment or warning devices can lead to these struck-by injuries or fatalities.

Assessment Info:

Assessment for work zone hazards should be an integral part of the site safety planning process.

Regulations & Standards:

OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.601(b)(4), under Motor Vehicle, states that "no employer shall use any motor vehicle equipment having an obstructed view to the rear unless i) the vehicle has a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level or; ii) the vehicle is backed up only when an observer signals that it is safe to do so."

OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.602(a)(9)(ii) states that "no employer shall permit earthmoving or compacting equipment which has an obstructed view to the rear to be used in reverse gear unless the equipment has in operation a reverse signal alarm distinguishable from the surrounding noise level or an employee signals that it is safe to do so."

OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.952(a)(3), under Mechanical equipment, states that "no employer shall use any motor vehicle equipment having an obstructed view to the rear unless i) the vehicle has a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level or; ii) the vehicle is backed up only when an observer signals that it is safe to do so."

The US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Adminstration 23 CFR 630 Subpart J. Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule encourages broader consideration of the safety and mobility impacts of work zones across project development and the implementation of strategies that help manage these impacts during project delivery.

ANSI/ISEA 107 requires material testing of high visibility safety apparel and headwear by an independent, accredited test lab. Manufacturer attestation or independent, accredited test lab attestation for final configuration.

ANSI/ISEA 207 requires material testing of high visibility public safety vests by an independent, accredited test lab. Manufacturer attestation or independent, accredited test lab attestation for final configuration.

ANSI/ASSE A10.47-2009 Work Zone Safety for Highway Construction provides guidelines that cover workers engaged in construction, utility work, maintenance, or repair activities on any area of a highway.

Federal OSHA Standards are enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor in 26 states. There are currently 22 states and jurisdictions operating complete State plans (covering both the private sector and state and local government employees) and 5 - Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and the Virgin Islands - which cover public employees only. If you are working in one of those states or jurisdictions you should ensure that you are complying with their requirements.

Statistical Information:

Fatalities at Road Construction Sites
Leading Causes of Fatal and Nonfatal Injuries in Construction

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Select Solution:

Substitution

Automated Flagging Assistant Devices (AFAD)

AFADs are remote-controlled equipment designed to be operated by a flagger positioned outside of the travel lanes in a work zone.

Engineering control

Movable Longitudinal Barriers

Movable longitudinal barriers may serve as alternatives to temporary concrete barriers and protect work zone workers on construction jobs.

Temporary Longitudinal Barriers

Temporary longitudinal barriers are designed to create positive barriers between motorists in roadway traffic and construction work areas. These barriers redirect vehicles in a smooth and stable manner without causing rollover while limiting their intrusion into the work zones.

Work Zone Lighting

Work zone lighting prevents injuries by providing light to make workers visible to equipment operators, motorists, and other workers.

Administrative control

Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Safety Planning

BIM is a concept that offers software technology application (app) that integrates digital building information for hazard identification and safety planning. It can virtual map a project lifecycle from design through procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance.

Job Hazard Analysis

Job hazard analysis (JHA), also known as job safety analysis and activity hazard analysis, is a process in construction project planning that aims to proactively identify the steps in a task, assess the risk level of each step, and assign appropriate action to control the risk.

Last Planner® System

The Last Planner® System is a production planning and control system designed to produce predictable work flow and improve project performance across the design, construction and commissioning stages of construction projects.

Lean Construction

Lean construction processes are streamlined to eliminate operational inefficiencies and enhance the value on projects.

Rumble Strips

Placing rumble strips is a work practice that act as an intervention to reduce struck-by hazards by creating tangible physical vibrations and noise to alert drivers to impending obstacles.

Temporary Traffic Control Devices

Temporary traffic control devices (TTCD) provide for the reasonably safe and effective movement of road users through work zones; protect workers performing the many varied tasks within the work space, as well as road users and equipment; and improve mobility by minimizing congestion and community impact.

Truck-mounted Attenuator

Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) are engineering controls that create a physical barrier between workers and moving vehicles as sources of injuries.