HIGHWAY WORK ZONE SAFETY
Roadway work zones are hazardous both for motorists who drive through the complex array of signs, barrels, and lane changes and for workers who build, repair, and maintain our Nation’s streets, bridges, and highways. The Federal Highway Administration reports fatal crashes in construction and maintenance work zones dropped from 716 in 2008 to 667 in 2009. Texas, Florida, and California ranked as the three States with the most motor vehicle crash fatalities in work zones. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 101 worker fatalities in work zones in 2008, 116 in 2009, and 103 (preliminary data) in 2010. Here too, Texas and Florida ranked one and two, followed by Pennsylvania, Illinois and Georgia. Transportation incidents accounted for 72 percent of roadway work zone fatal occupational injuries in 2010 (preliminary data).
Sources: Fatalities in Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes by State and Construction/Maintenance Zone (2008)
Fatalities in Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes by State and Work Zone (2009)
Fatal occupational injuries at road construction sites by selected characteristics, 2003-2010 [PDF - 27 KB]
During the 2003 to 2007 period, 639 workers were killed while working at a road construction site. During this same period there were 8,103 deaths in the construction industry. The 639 worker deaths in road construction represent 7.9% of all deaths in construction. Nearly half of these fatalities were attributable to a worker being struck by a vehicle or mobile equipment—more frequently by construction equipment than by tractor-trailers, vans, and cars. In 60 percent of the cases where a worker was struck by backing vehicles or mobile equipment, the worker was fatally struck by a backing dump truck.
Source: Fatal occupational injuries at road construction sites, 2003-07 [PDF - 254 KB]
General Information – Fatality Reports and Prevention Strategies
In-house Fatality Investigations Reports on Worker Deaths in Highway Work Zone
State-based Fatality Investigations Reports on Worker Deaths in Highway Work Zone
These links provide lists of reports of fatality investigations of incidents
where workers in highway work zones were killed. These investigations
were conducted under the NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation
(FACE) program. Although most of the examples involve highway construction,
a few cases that occurred in maintenance and utility work zones are also
included.
NIOSH Protecting Workers in Construction - Preventing Injuries Related to Motor Vehicles and Equipment [PDF - 2.25 MB]
(July 2008)
NIOSH hosted a 3-day workshop that brought together 60 key stakeholders from government agencies, labor unions, and private employers to discuss measures to reduce worker injuries from vehicles and equipment. Researchers analyzed injury data, reviewed scientific literature, and developed “white papers”
to focus discussion at the workshop. NIOSH then compiled research results
and workshop participant input into a highway work zone safety guide.
Publications
Roadway Safety
- Preventing
Injuries When Working With Ride-On Roller/Compactors
NIOSH Publication No. 2005-101 (November 2004)
En Espanol
- Work-Related
Roadway Crashes: Prevention Strategies for Employers
NIOSH Publication No. 2004-136 (March 2004)
En Espanol
- Preventing
Injuries When Working with Hydraulic Excavators and Backhoe Loaders
NIOSH Publication No. 2004-107 (November 2003)
En Espanol
- Building
Safer Highway Work Zones: Measures to Prevent Worker Injuries from
Vehicles and Equipment
NIOSH Publication No. 2001-128 (April 2001)
Equipment Blind Areas/Proximity Warning Systems
- Recommendations for Evaluating & Implementing Proximity Warning Systems on Surface Mining Equipment
NIOSH Publication No. 2007-146 (June 2007)
Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Spokane Research Laboratory, studied technology and methods that could reduce accidents involving surface mining equipment that collides with other vehicles or workers, or drives over an unseen road edge.
- Development and testing of a tag-based backup warning system for construction equipment
SAE Technical Paper Series 2007-01-4233 2007 Oct; 1-9
- Evaluation of a radar-based proximity warning system for off-highway dump trucks
Accident Analysis & Prevention: January 2006 / 38(1):92-98
- Evaluation
of Systems to Monitor Blind Areas Behind Trucks Used in Road Construction
and Maintenance: Phase 1
Report of Investigation 9660
NIOSH Publication No. 2003-113 (February 2003)
- Devices to Monitor Blind Spots Near Large Haulage Equipment
Technology News 484, (January 2001)
- Application of Radio-frequency Identification Systems to Collision Avoidance in Metal/Nonmetal Mines
IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications: Jan/Feb 2001 / 37(1):112-116
- Test
Results of Collision Warning Systems for Surface Mining Dump Trucks
Report of Investigation 9652
NIOSH Publication No. 98-1998 (May 2000)
- Test
Results of Collision Warning Systems on Off-Highway Dump Trucks: Phase
2
Report of Investigation 9654
NIOSH Publication No. 2001-100 (November 2000)
Asphalt
- Results of a Pilot Study of Dust Control Technology for Asphalt Milling [PDF - 3,876 KB]
Survey Report (October 2004)
- Health Effects
of Occupational Exposure to Asphalt
NIOSH Publication No. 2001-110 (December 2000)
- Engineering
control guidelines for hot mix asphalt pavers Part 1: New Highway-Class
Pavers
NIOSH Publication No. 97-105 (January 1997)
- Additional publications are listed on the Asphalt Topic Page.
Other Related Publications - NIOSH
- Preventing Worker Deaths from Trench Cave-ins
NIOSH Publication No. 2011- 208 (September 2011)
En Espanol
- Preventing Injuries and Deaths From Skid-Steer Loaders
NIOSH Publication No. 2011-128 (December 2010)
En Espanol
- Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Mobile Crane Tipover, Boom Collapse, and Uncontrolled Hoisted Loads
NIOSH Publication No. 2006-142 (September 2006)
En Espanol
- Recommendations
for Protecting Outdoor Workers from West Nile Virus Exposure
NIOSH Publication No. 2005-155 (September 2005)
- Preventing
Injuries and Deaths of Workers Who Operate or Work Near Forklifts
NIOSH Publication No. 2001-109 (June 2001)
- Preventing
Worker Injuries and Deaths from Traffic-Related Motor Vehicle Crashes
NIOSH Publication No. 98-142 (July 1998)
En Espanol
- Preventing
Silicosis and Deaths in Construction Workers
NIOSH Publication No. 96-112 (1996)
En Espanol
- Preventing Deaths and Injuries from Excavation Cave-ins
NIOSH Publication No. 85-110 (July 1985)
- Additional publications are listed on the following topic pages:
Other Related Publications - FHWA
-
FHWA Worker Visibility Regulation - Effective Date: November 24, 2008
- The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse held a webinar on the new regulation.
- The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse held a webinar on the new regulation.
- FHWA Final Rule Work Zone Safety and Mobility -Effective Date: October 12, 2007
Research in Progress at NIOSH
Expanded Information Tools for Building Safer Work Zones
This project will convert NIOSH work zone safety research into safety information products for use by employers, labor unions, agencies, and safety personnel developing training materials for preventing workers from being struck by operating roadway construction equipment operating in work zones. Research from a project evaluating roadway construction work zone interventions and from the NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program will form the basis of information products developed under this project.
Project contact: David Fosbroke
Division of Safety Research
(304) 285-6010, DFosbroke@cdc.gov
Project period: 2007-2013
Other Research Funded by NIOSH
Effectiveness of Active Speed Controls in Highway Work zones [PDF - 2,437 KB]
NIOSH Office of Extramural Programs Annual Program Report - Fiscal Year
2004
The objective of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of three
interventions on the reduction of travel speeds in highway work zones:
(i) Rumble Strips, (ii) Variable Message Signs (VMSs), and (iii) Police
Presence with Rumble Strips. (see research information on page 16)
Project Contact: Satish Mohan
Research Foundation of the State University of New York
smohan@eng.buffalo.edu
Safety of Nighttime Construction Activities
This research will evaluate safety issues in nighttime construction as
a necessary prerequisite to the development of strategies to improve safety,
quality and productivity of nighttime construction operations on highways
and in other sectors of construction.
Project Contact: Dulcy M. Abraham
Purdue University West LaFayette, West LaFayette, IN 47907-2108
dulcy@ecn.purdue.edu
Project Period: 2005-2010
Other Research Funded by the Transportation Research Board
Identifying and Reducing Worker, Inspector, and Manager Fatigue in Rapid Renewal Environments.
The impact of fatigue on the quality of work and the safety of workers, inspectors, and managers, especially on rapid renewal highway projects, is considered serious and in need of further investigation and solutions. This project will investigate fatigue as it relates to rapid renewal projects, providing an overview of sleep, fatigue, and alertness and how they impact performance, teamwork, quality, and the potential for accidents and injury. The project will then discuss ways to mitigate fatigue by identifying safe limits for workers and supervisors.
Project Contact: Mark S. Bush
Transportation Research Board
mbush@nas.edu
Project Period: 2009-2012
Press Releases
NIOSH, OSHA, Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Coalition Ally to Improve Roadway Work Zone Safety, November 26, 2003
Ways to Prevent
Job-related Roadway Deaths, Critical Research Areas Identified by NIOSH,
November 6, 2003
Press Release: CDC Report Suggests Ways to Prevent Injuries, Fatalities to Workers in Highway Work Zones, May 15, 2001
NIOSH Report Highlights Motor Vehicle Crash Risk for Workers, Recommends Practical Preventive Measures, July 27, 1998
Related U.S. Government Web Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities
Data on fatal and nonfatal injuries at work from the Census of Fatal Occupational
Injuries, the annual Survey of Occupational Injury and Illness, and other
Department of Labor programs:
Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Comprehensive U.S. transportation statistics for all modes of transportation.
Federal Highway Administration
Information on the U.S. highway infrastructure, safety initiatives, regulations,
environmental stewardship, and congestion mitigation.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
Information on regulatory and voluntary programs for reducing injuries,
fatalities, and crashes associated with large trucks and buses.
Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices
Federal regulations for operation and set-up of temporary traffic control
zones, including highway work zones and emergency situations.
National Highway Institute
The National Highway Institute (NHI) is a training arm of the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA). NHI provides leadership and resources for
the development and delivery of training and education programs to improve
the quality of our Nation's highway system and its inter modal connections.
OSHA Directorate of Construction
Safety and Health Topic page covering Highway Work Zones and Signs, Signals, and Barricades
OSHA/NIOSH Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Partners
Alliance page describes the Alliance's goals and activities.
Other Related Web Sites
AAA Foundation for
Traffic Safety
Provides research results and educational materials to promote traffic
safety. This site also has a useful work zone photo library.
American Road &
Transportation Builders Association
ARTBA holds annual meetings and conferences, maintains standing committees
and professional development sections that work
on issues to promote improvements in work zone safety.
American Society of Safety Engineers
Offers basic resources for safety professionals on work zone safety.
Associated
General Contractors
AGG holds annual meetings and conferences, maintains standing committes and professional development sections that work on issues to promote improvements in work zone safety.
Construction Safety
Council
The Construction Safety Council is a non-for-profit organization dedicated
to the advancement of safety and health interests in the field of construction
throughout the world.
Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety
Vehicle crash test results and a wide variety of educational materials
on traffic safety. Offers useful state-by-state comparisons of traffic
safety laws.
International Union of
Operating Engineers (IUOE)
Laborers' Health and Safety Fund
of North America (LHSFA)
National Asphalt Pavement Association
NAPA holds annual meetings and conferences, maintains standing committes and professional development sections that work on issues to promote improvements in work zone safety.
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
Provides information on vehicle testing and standards, occupant restraints,
impaired and drowsy driving, and national crash statistics.
National Safety Council
In conjunction with ARTBA offers Roadway Work Zone Safety Awareness Awards.
Offers general work zone safety information for safety professionals.
National Work Zone Safety
Information Clearinghouse
Provides information for government, industry, and the public to promote
the safe and effective operation of highway work zones.
- International Resources (work zone safety for users around the world)
The International Resources page on the Clearinghouse provides information from the European Union and in following languages: Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Spanish, French, and Russian.
Transportation Research Board
Provides information from the arm of the National Research Council that
engages government, industry, and academia in promoting research, policy
studies, and information-sharing addressing all aspects and modes of transportation.
Offers publications for a fee including, Illumination Guidelines for Nighttime
Highway Work, Highway Maintenance Safety, Support, and Service
University of Michigan
Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI)
Provides research results from an interdisciplinary center with expertise
in large-truck safety, human factors, engineering, public policy, and
data collection and analysis. Work Zone related research includes pedestrian and road worker visibility, and application of intelligent transportation systems in work zones.
Upcoming Conferences and Events
2012
| Conference | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Institute of Transportation Engineers Annual Meeting and Exhibit | Atlanta, GA | August 12–15 |
| American Public Works Association International Public Works Congress and Exposition |
Anaheim, CA | August 26–29 |
| International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association 80th Annual Meeting and Exhibition | Orlando, FL | September 9–12 |
| American Road and Transportation Builders Association Annual Meeting | Memphis, TN | September 11–14 |
| American Society of Civil Engineers | Montreal, Quebec | October 18–20 |
| National Safety Council 2012 Congress and Expo | Orlando, FL | October 21–26 |
Contact Us:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
