Workzone Safety

Work zones are an important asset to many projects. They are designed to move traffic in an approved direction and are typically identified by signs, cones, barrels, and barriers.

Overview

Smashed WS DOT Attenuator Truck

Roadway work zones are hazardous both for workers and motorists. Thousands of workers are in roadway work zones every day as they build, repair, and maintain our streets, bridges, and roadways. Motorists must drive through a complex array of signs, barrels, and lane changes. In addition, first responders must drive through work zones and traffic jams as they respond to traffic incidents.

Workers inside work zones are exposed to hazards such as:

Being struck by (moving vehicles and equipment).
Car exhaust and other toxic fumes.
Chemicals
Flying debris/dust.
Heat illness.
Loud noises.
Slips, trips, and falls.
Sprains and strains.

According to WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation), on Washington state highways in 2023 there were;

1,228 reported collisions in a work zone or in a related back-up
28 serious injury related collisions in work zones
10 fatal crashes.

To ensure safety in work zones, employers are required to develop and implement a traffic control plan for the movement of vehicles. The plans must also include safety measures for areas where workers are conducting other tasks. Employers are also required to provide traffic control methods such as:

Signs with information on speed limits and work zones to help drivers identify designated traffic paths.
Traffic control devices such as signals, and message boards will direct drivers to follow a path away from where work is being done
Concrete, water and sand barriers, truck mounted crash cushion and attenuators to limit motorist intrusions into work zones.
Flaggers move vehicles and pedestrians safely and through or around work zone while protecting workers and equipment. (Note: Employers are required at no cost to employees to provide PPE such as high visibility vest, eye and ear protection, etc. to flaggers who are exposed to known hazards while working inside work zones.

(Note: Employers are required provide, at no cost to the worker, PPE such as high visibility vest, eye and ear protection, etc. to flaggers who are exposed to known hazards while working inside work zones.)

Need Help? L&I's safety and health consultants can help you understand and comply with work zone safety and health regulations.

Requirements & Policies