Safety First: Best Practices for Traffic Control During Fall and Winter

As the weather turns colder, maintaining a safe work zone becomes even more challenging. Fall and winter bring increased risks for workers in the traffic control and construction industries, from icy roads to equipment malfunctions due to cold temperatures. Implementing proper safety measures is crucial to protect your team and ensure smooth traffic management during these colder months. Here are some best practices to help your crew navigate the unique challenges of working in fall and winter conditions.

1. Be Prepared: Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are common in colder weather, but they can be minimized with proper preparation. Workers should be equipped with footwear that provides excellent traction and balance. Where possible, utilize salted walkways and handrails to reduce the risk of losing balance on slick surfaces.

Visibility is another concern. Poor lighting, obstructed views, and rushing to meet deadlines can all lead to accidents. Allow for additional travel time to and from work to reduce the temptation to rush, and stay focused on your environment by minimizing distractions such as phone use. Identifying potential hazards—like ice or snow accumulation—early on can prevent many accidents before they happen.

2. Monitor Weather Conditions

Unpredictable weather patterns in the fall and winter require constant monitoring. Snowstorms, freezing rain, and low temperatures create hazardous working conditions and significantly affect traffic. Before each shift, check weather forecasts and adjust safety protocols accordingly. For example, extra lane signage may be needed to guide motorists safely through a work zone, or schedules may need adjusting to account for severe weather.

Establishing a heated break area is also important for preventing cold-related injuries like frostbite or hypothermia. Regular breaks help ensure workers stay warm and energized, maintaining their focus and safety.

3. Dress for the Cold

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is essential year-round, but during the colder months, workers should layer up with additional gear. Insulated work gloves, winter coats, face shields, and thick-soled boots are all essential items that enhance worker comfort and safety. These additions will help workers stay warm while performing their tasks, improving their overall ability to focus and avoid accidents.

Ensure that your crew is prepared for the elements, and that they have access to warm clothing that complements the existing PPE requirements.

4. Protect Against Traffic Hazards

Visibility decreases during fall and winter due to shorter daylight hours, fog, rain, and snow. This, combined with slippery roads, increases the likelihood of traffic accidents near construction zones. It’s crucial to enhance safety measures by setting up additional barriers, such as water-filled or concrete barricades, to prevent vehicle accidents from impacting workers.

Utilizing advanced traffic control technology, such as Site 20/20’s Guardian SmartFlagger, can also improve safety by reducing direct worker exposure to oncoming traffic. This allows flaggers to stay clear of hazardous areas while still efficiently directing traffic, keeping them warm and safe from extreme weather conditions.

5. Slow Down Traffic in Hazardous Conditions

Winter weather often makes roadways slick, leading to more frequent accidents. Slowing down traffic through a work zone is crucial to minimizing accidents in these conditions. Although drivers may be frustrated by the delay, reducing their speed is essential for maintaining control on icy or snowy roads. Flaggers should adjust traffic flow based on the current weather and road conditions, as lower speeds significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

6. Maintain and Warm Up Equipment

Cold temperatures can cause machinery and equipment to malfunction. Before beginning work, it’s important to warm up vehicles and tools to ensure they function correctly. Metal materials can become brittle and difficult to handle, which not only affects their operation but also poses safety risks. Regular maintenance and warm-up routines will help prevent breakdowns and ensure that workers can complete their tasks efficiently.

Conclusion:

Ensuring traffic control safety during fall and winter requires careful planning and execution. By preparing your team for adverse weather conditions, enhancing visibility and protection, and slowing down traffic, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with colder months. Utilizing advanced technology like the Guardian SmartFlagger can further enhance safety, keeping flaggers away from direct traffic flow while still managing the work zone effectively. Stay proactive with your safety measures, and you’ll ensure a safer environment for both your workers and the public during the fall and winter seasons.