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Hazard Analysis — Work Zone Struck-by Injuries and Fatalities
Problem:
Workers that construct and refurbish concrete and asphalt roadways 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.
Work zone struck-by injuries and fatalities may involve workers with non-construction passenger traffic or construction heavy equipment. Two of the main contributing factors that increase these struck-by risks is worker visibility and lighting.
Operators using heavy equipment also have blind spots that may cause struck-by accidents. Heavy equipment operators will usually have an obstructed field of view in which they may not see surrounding workers in the rear when operating the equipment. Back up incidences, or "backovers," can result in fatalities and non-fatal injuries such as as amputations, compound and simple fractures and crushing injuries.
The lack of, or improper, illumination during nighttime highway construction and maintenance can also affect worker visibility. Because of higher daytime traffic flow, shifting construction work to nighttime can present other unique risk factors as well that include: drivers being drowsy and less alert, higher incidences of impaired drivers, higher traffic speeds.
Assessment Info:
Assessment for work zone hazards should be an integral part of the site safety planning process.
To assess the likelihood of struck-by accidents, here is a list of general items to consider when performing tasks with construction work zones near equipment / traffic:
- Are workers wearing the proper reflective personal protective equipment (Class I, II or III)?
- Are traffic control devices (TCDs), flaggers and lighting in place where needed?
- If available, are workers behind protective barriers?
- Around equipment, are workers aware of potential "blind spots"?
- Around equipment, can workers communicate effectively with operators?
- Are spotters available if a worker must work with their back to equipment or in operator blind spots?
- Do workers understand the traffic control plan?
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.
Other Considerations:
The US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Adminstration defines standard traffic control devices necessary for trafic safety. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/
OSHA work zone safety quick card: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/work_zone_safety.pdf
