All construction sites carry inherent risks, particularly to the employees working on the site. Road construction carries a unique set of risks given the proximity of motor vehicles, sometimes driving at fast speeds, to the site. The dangers involved in this form of construction work to both the workers and the drivers passing through the area create a specific set of safety responsibilities for the site managers. Follow these steps to create a road construction site that gets the job done with no accidents or injuries.

 

1. Proper signage is essential. One of the key causes of car accidents around construction zones is a lack of proper warning for the drivers in the area. It’s crucial to get traffic management signage melbourne and set up visible warnings and directions for the drivers that allows sufficient time for them to act on the warning. The signs should also be properly maintained so they’re functional and clear to the drivers, and must be checked regularly to ensure that they’re working as they should be.

2. Traffic controllers must be effectively trained. If you’re bringing staff on board to help manage the flow of traffic around the construction site, these employees must be sufficiently trained in how to conduct and direct on the road. Some construction professionals make the mistake of using workers who understand how to direct construction traffic to manage public road safety – these workers must be trained in the particular signals and motions involved in public traffic control so that the drivers understand their directions.

3. Consider a press release. It may seem excessive, but releasing information to the media about the planned road works can do wonders for the level of patience you can expect from the drivers on the road. If they’re informed on the radio that delays are expected well in advance, they’ll have the opportunity to change their route, or will be aware of how long the delay might be. This can minimise impatience from frustrated motorists while boosting the public image of your construction business.

4. Ensure consistent communication. When traffic controllers are working alongside your construction site, make sure they have a two-way radio so they can communicate with one another throughout the day, especially if the controllers cannot see each other on site. This will prevent confusion and keep the project running smoothly.

5. Provide safety equipment. All of your construction workers should already be wearing full protective gear like hard hats, steel-cap boots, and eye protection, but when working in road construction you’ll need to consider additional precautions. All workers on site, including managers and personnel visiting the site, must be given a reflective, highly visible vests or hats to help motorists see them clearly from a distance. The traffic controllers should be similarly dressed to protect them from potential danger.

6. Encourage an alert atmosphere. As the manager, it’s your role to ensure that all of the employees working on site are sufficiently alert and aware of their work and their surroundings. This is particularly important in this case given the potentially hazardous nature of road-based construction work. Allow your workers sufficient time to rest and rehydrate, and be aware of any employees who might be struggling to maintain sufficient alertness in the circumstances.