Highway Work Zone Hazards
Workers involved in highway, road, street, bridge, tunnel, utility, and other infrastructure projects are exposed to hazards both inside and outside the work zone. Common risks include:
- Falls
- Electrical hazards
- Struck-by incidents
- Caught-in/between accidents
Guidance for the proper setup of work zone signs, barricades, and flagging can be found in:
- U.S. Department of Transportation’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) – referenced in 1926 Subpart G.
- OSHA’s Highway Work Zones and Signs, Signals, and Barricades guidance webpage.
Work Zone Signs
Signs are critical for communicating hazards to workers and the public. They may be temporarily or permanently placed at locations where hazards exist.
Key Principles:
- Must be visible at all times while work is in progress.
- Must be removed or covered promptly when hazards no longer exist.
- Convey both general and specific messages using words or symbols.
Danger Signs
- Purpose: Warn of immediate hazards.
- Specifications: Follow ANSI Z35.1-1968 Figure 1 or ANSI Z535.2-2011 Figures 1–13, incorporated by reference in 1926.6.
- Design Requirements:
- Predominantly red upper panel
- Black border outline
- White lower panel for additional wording
Caution Signs
- Purpose: Warn against potential hazards or unsafe practices.
- Specifications: Follow ANSI Z35.1-1968 Figure 4 or ANSI Z535.2-2011 Figures 1–13, incorporated by reference in 1926.6.
- Design Requirements:
- Yellow predominating color
- Black upper panel with yellow “CAUTION” lettering
- Yellow lower panel for additional wording in black letters
- Background and colors must meet opaque glossy sample standards in ANSI Z53.1-1967 Table 1 or ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011) Table 1