Safety Tips for Road Work

Tips and Best Practices

General safety instructions

• Always conduct a complete safety check and daily walkaround to identify potential hazards.
• Only trained and experienced drivers should operate rollers and other road construction equipment.
• Find out where fire extinguishers, first aid supplies and alarm telephones are located before beginning work.
• Drive slowly in sharp bends and avoid driving across slopes. Always drive straight up or straight down the slope.
• No crew members should ever position themselves between the paver and a hauling truck backing into the hopper.
• Ensure there are no obstacles or obstructions in the direction of travel of paving and compaction equipment, either on the ground or overhead.
• Always use the machine's ROPS (roll over protective structure) when operating on uneven or unsafe ground.
• Use steps and handholds to climb safely into trucks and equipment.
• Inform the operator before climbing into a truck bed.
• Do not climb onto truck running boards, unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Do not distract equipment operators with excessive talking.
• Keep other vehicles that aren't in use parked out of the way of traffic.
• Use hearing protection if the noise level exceeds 80 dB(A).
• Avoid operating rollers near edges and ditches, as the ground conditions and bearing strength may not support the roller.
• Always drink plenty of water when working on a road or paving job during the summer, as heat exhaustion can set in suddenly.

What to wear

• Always wear long sleeve shirts and full length pants to protect arms and legs. Clothing should not be loose fitting, however, as loose clothing can get caught in moving parts.
• Ensure your crew uses safety vests and colored jackets so they are easily visible while working on the road.
• Hard hats should be worn at all times in order to prevent falling or flying objects that could result in serious or life threatening head injuries.
• ANSI approved safety glasses should be worn at all times to avoid eye injuries. Approved glasses are marked on the frame, lens or both.
• Wear steel toe work boots that extend above the ankle and have non-skid holes.
• Use gloves to protect hands while climbing in and out of equipment.