The roadwork repair season is underway for 2025. This article will list some steps to make 2025 a safe and productive time to perform road and street maintenance.
- Update MUTCD training for employees conducting street and road repair so they know how to correctly set up safe traffic work zones. Training for flaggers should also be provided for jobs that may require additional traffic control.
- Make sure your employees have the proper signage and traffic control devices they need to establish the correct work zone under the MUTCD. The devices should be in good condition and suitable for the conditions in which they will be used.
- Once employees are trained and provided with proper traffic control devices, it is important to ensure they are taking the time to properly establish the work zone in order to protect themselves and the public. Poorly set work zones are commonly due to employees taking shortcuts or poor planning. Many times, employees want to rely on just using the vehicle flashers as the only warning because they don’t want to take the time to set cones and post signs.
Poorly set work zones can also be a source of significant liability when they contribute to vehicle accidents and driver injury. - Wear high-visibility clothing and activate equipment flashers. Make sure your clothing meets the DOT requirements of ANSI 107-2004 Class 2 safety apparel and is maintained for brightness. Make sure flashers are working and on during work.
- Stay within the work zone. Employees inadvertently backing out into traffic while working contribute to a number of deaths. Using flaggers or spotters is necessary to protect employees focused on a task while temporarily moving in and out of the work zone.
- Slow down and think about your safety! In this age of distracted drivers and people hurrying to get from point A to B, you have to be responsible for your safety and those working with you.
Every year, someone in Iowa dies while performing roadwork. Unfortunately, failing to follow one of the steps listed above is a contributing factor in most road work deaths. When you choose to use shortcuts to save a few minutes, you must ask yourself if you are being fair to your family and others that may be affected by a road work-related fatality?
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Stay in Contact with Your Designated Clinic
Each year, you should try to meet with your designated physicians or clinics. This is an opportunity for you to explain to the doctor any operational changes, update the doctor on any staffing changes, and offer feedback on how previous injuries were handled. It is also recommended that you discuss your return-to-work program and explain to the doctor the light-duty jobs you have available. Give the designated physician or clinic a copy of your job descriptions so they know the type of work your employees are performing.
It is also a good idea to discuss that if the injured worker is released to light-duty work, the doctor should put in writing specific restrictions. This allows you, as the employer, to more easily determine if you have work available within the restrictions.
Reporting claims as quickly as possible can help lower costs, reduce fees, and ensure that the injured worker receives appropriate and timely medical care. Meeting with your designated physician and explaining to your employees the importance of timely injury reporting demonstrates that you take injuries and safety seriously while also building strong relationships.
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