Road Maintenance Safety Tips
Road construction and maintenance falls into the jurisdiction of local government authorities in Maryland and other U.S. states. Road maintenance for local backroads and major highways are necessary for keeping all travelers safe. While working to keep others safe on the road, the workers also need to stay safe, as those in the business know. Below are the top road maintenance safety tips to practice while on the job.
Follow Safety Regulations
Different national organizations have certain safety standards set in place for all road maintenance crews to follow. These groups include OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration), NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), the NHWZSP (National Highway Work Zone Safety Program), and ANSI (American National Standards Institute). The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the FHWA together host an annual event in April called National Work Zone Awareness Week.
Be Observant
One of the first steps in keeping safe in a road work zone is to be observant at all times. Be aware of the traffic on the road and the traffic on the actual work site. Be aware of machinery and other hazards around you, and never stand in their way, walking only in designated safe areas.
Wear Protective Gear
What road workers wear is paramount in road maintenance safety. Goals for road maintenance workers include high visibility, functionality, and protection from the elements. High visibility vests, armbands, hats, etc. are essential in low-light and daylight conditions alike. One will also need to be equipped with PPE, including helmets, steel-toed boots, and eye, face, hand, hearing, and respiratory protection. One should also practice other forms of protection like hydration and wearing sunscreen.
Maximize Visibility
The most common reason for road work fatalities and injuries is vehicle collision into the zone. One way to increase safety between workers and the road traffic is to make it as visible as possible, limiting visual obstructions, using clear, bold signage, and using traffic cones.
Communicate Clearly
All workers should be aware of the communication signals used on the site and keep communication crystal clear. Communication is truly key in road maintenance safety, especially when machinery is involved. Use of eye contact to ensure the operator acknowledges your presence is also crucial for safety.
Hire a Well-Experienced Company
Road maintenance managers need to find a company they can trust that will practice all the above safety precautions and keep on top of road maintenance safety improvements. Teniseal/Parking Striping Corporation is at your service in Maryland!
Contact Teniseal/Parking Striping Corporation for Asphalt Road and Parking Lot Services!
Teniseal Corporation specializes in the application, restoration and maintenance of all types of asphalt surfaces. It makes sense to trust your asphalt job to experts with the experience and technical know-how to do your project right from the start to provide a long-lasting result. Teniseal offers services for Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince George’s, Harford, Carroll, and Montgomery counties in Maryland. For more information, email them at [email protected], or call them at 410-485-5660 or 410-485-0717. Keep in touch on social media through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!
