Write a toolbox talk on Safety while performing traffic control

A toolbox talk for traffic control safety in roadwork should start with the core message that work zones expose workers to struck-by hazards from both public traffic and construction vehicles, especially in congested, low-visibility, night, or bad-weather conditions. A traffic control plan must be in place wherever vehicles and workers interact, and the temporary traffic control setup must follow MUTCD requirements for signs, devices, signals, and layout. The plan should address both the public-facing temporary traffic control zone and the internal movement of construction vehicles, equipment, workers on foot, and pedestrians. [1] [9] [10]

Key points to cover with the crew:

• Conduct a pre-job hazard assessment and review the traffic control plan before work starts and whenever conditions change.
• Identify external hazards such as live traffic, speeding motorists, poor sight distance, weather, dust, glare, darkness, and pedestrian exposure.
• Identify internal hazards such as backing dump trucks, moving equipment, blind spots, loading/unloading, and workers on foot inside the work area.
• Use the hierarchy of controls: close the road if feasible, physically separate workers from traffic where possible, then use administrative controls, trained personnel, and PPE.
• Limit worker exposure by minimizing time in traffic areas, restricting access points, reducing the number of people in the zone, and establishing pedestrian-free and no-backing zones.

[3] [4] [1] Temporary traffic control procedures should follow the standard work zone layout: advance warning area, approach area, transition area, longitudinal buffer area, work area, and termination area. Signs, cones, drums, barricades, barriers, arrow/message boards, and other approved devices must clearly guide drivers and pedestrians through the zone. Devices must be visible, clean, maintained, and appropriate for the roadway speed, geometry, lighting, and weather. Permanent signs or markings that conflict with temporary control should be covered when temporary signs and markings are in use. [6] [8] [7]

Flagging operations should be used only when other traffic control methods are not adequate. Every flagging operation should be planned, supervised, and performed by trained flaggers using MUTCD-compliant procedures. Drivers must be warned in advance with flagger-ahead signage. The primary control device should be a STOP/SLOW paddle; flags are for emergencies or special situations. Flagger stations must provide good sight distance, separation from construction vehicle movements, and a clear escape route. [3] [11] [9] [7]

• Stand on the shoulder or other lowest-risk position, not in the path of live traffic.
• Never turn your back to oncoming traffic.
• Do not enter the roadway until traffic has stopped.
• Maintain eye contact with approaching drivers until vehicles are stopped.
• Do not give hand or verbal signals that conflict with the paddle.
• Do not perform other work while directing traffic.
• At night or in low visibility, illuminate the flagger station and ensure the flagger is clearly recognizable.

[7] [17] [8] Worker visibility and PPE are critical controls. At a minimum, workers exposed to traffic should wear high-visibility garments appropriate to the task and time of day, and flaggers should wear ANSI class 2 or 3 high-visibility apparel so they are visible from at least 1,000 feet in traffic movement areas. Hard hats should also be high visibility, and footwear should be suitable for roadway work. Vests must be worn properly fastened. For night work or reduced visibility, use retroreflective apparel and adequate lighting without blinding drivers. [1] [3] [5] [15]

Safe positioning inside the work zone is essential. Workers on foot should stay inside designated protected areas, avoid the edge or outside of the work zone, face oncoming traffic when feasible, and never load or unload from the traffic side of a vehicle. Separate workers from construction vehicles with internal traffic control measures such as barrels, cones, delineators, barricades, pedestrian-free zones, and no-backing zones. Keep only necessary equipment in the zone, maintain backup alarms, and use spotters or signallers when backing cannot be avoided. [5] [1] [13]

The vehicle and pedestrian interface must be actively managed. Drivers, workers on foot, and pedestrians must be able to see and understand the routes they are to follow. Store vehicles and equipment outside pedestrian routes, clearly define pedestrian paths, and coordinate with emergency services, transit, schools, businesses, and other contractors when their access or routes may be affected. If a motorist breaches the control point, flaggers must immediately warn workers using a pre-established emergency signal. [9] [5] [14] [7]

Communication protocols should be reviewed at the start of the shift and reinforced throughout the day. Cover radio channels, hand signals, emergency signals, who has authority to stop work, and how flaggers, spotters, equipment operators, and supervisors will coordinate. Workers must communicate with operators before entering equipment operating areas and maintain eye contact when working near moving equipment. If communication is lost, stop the movement until positive communication is restored. [3] [1] [16]

Signage, barricades, and protective devices must match the operation and provide both guidance and protection. Use standard highway signs for work zones, speed reductions, lane closures, detours, and flagger warnings. Use cones, drums, barricades, delineators, barriers, crash cushions, and truck-mounted attenuators as appropriate. Remember that cones and drums guide traffic but do not provide positive protection; where intrusion risk is significant, barriers or other positive protection should be considered. [9] [8] [9]

For MUTCD and OSHA alignment, crews should understand that traffic control devices and flagging practices must conform to MUTCD, while OSHA requires protection of workers from struck-by hazards and expects a traffic control plan where vehicles and workers interact. OSHA roadway/highway guidance also points to temporary traffic controls, high-visibility apparel, and applicable standards for signs, signals, and barricades. In practice, compliance means using approved layouts and devices, trained flaggers, documented plans, and site-specific controls for both public traffic and internal worksite traffic. [1] [10] [2]

Incident prevention reminders for the crew:

• Review the traffic control plan, internal traffic control plan, and emergency procedures before starting work.
• Set up advance warning signs early and keep sign spacing current as the work moves.
• Inspect signs, paddles, lighting, cones, drums, barricades, and barriers regularly; replace damaged, dirty, or non-reflective devices.
• Keep workers out of blind spots and away from backing paths; use no-backing zones and spotters where needed.
• Provide adequate lighting for workers, flaggers, and equipment operators during darkness or low visibility.
• Control dust, glare, and other visibility problems.
• Stop work and reassess if traffic behavior, weather, lighting, or site conditions change.
• Ensure every worker knows the intrusion alarm or emergency signal and the escape route.

[1] [11] [5] [7] A practical close-out message for the toolbox talk is: stay visible, stay separated, stay alert, and never assume a driver or operator sees you. Most serious work zone incidents involve vehicle intrusion, backing equipment, poor positioning, or communication breakdowns. If the setup is unclear, visibility is poor, devices are missing, or communication is uncertain, stop and correct the condition before work continues. [12] [1] [10]