Construction Law
Roadway Safety Tips: Are Your Workers Safe? Part 3
Our Florida contractor attorneys know that safety is always of paramount concern regardless of where the construction site is located. However, when you are located in a potentially hazardous location, contractors and project managers need to be extra wary of the ever-present dangers of roadside construction. In this series, we are discussing safety on a roadside construction site.
In the first section, we discussed roadways signs and sectioning off the work area. In the second section, we provided you with more tips to ensure the safety of your workforce. In this final section, we will discuss how to implement plans and safety training in your workplace.
Safety Management
Every construction project varies and the elements at play are always unique to that construction site. This is even more of the case on a roadside construction zone. It’s critical that you not only have a well-orchestrated safety plan, but that all of your workers are aware of it. As roadside work zones are often flexible areas, it’s best to have a daily meeting that focuses on any potential dangers before the shift begins.
Coordinating Safety Plans
On a roadside site, these two safety plans need to be implemented:
General Safety Plans: Every construction site needs a plan that locates all of the hazards on-site and how to prevent workers from experiencing injuries. Along with first aid and medical treatment plans in place, roadside construction sites need to ensure that every person understands protocol in case of an emergency.
Traffic Control Plan: Traffic flow is always critical on every roadside construction site. From the motorists outside the workzone to the moving pieces on-site, it’s critical that contractors pinpoint the exact destination of every barrier to ensure their workers are safe.
Other Safety Measures
Although every site offers unique challenges, here are a few other elements that always need to be met.
Wearing Safety Gear: Along with hard hats and other protective gear, fluorescent clothing and other forms of visible gear need to be worn. It’s critical to remain in compliance with safety and health standards.
Hydration: In the Florida summertime, especially on an asphalt surface, all workers are prone to dehydration and exhaustion. Worksites need to always have plenty of fluids (water, sports drink) present to ensure workers remain hydrated. Supervisors need to also closely monitor their workers to ensure no one is susceptible to heat stroke or exhaustion.
Nighttime Work: The majority of mishaps that transpire on a roadside construction zone happen at night. Supervisors need to ensure everyone is aware of any potential hazards during these hours and make certain that the work area is well lit during the darkest hours of the day.
If you would like to speak with a Florida contractor attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.