Highway Works Safety Awareness

Working on or near live highways exposes workers to the risk of being struck by passing traffic at speed.
The Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice sets the standards for signing, guarding, and PPE.
Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual governs temporary traffic management on all UK roads and motorways.
All operatives working on highways must hold valid street works competency cards (NRSWA) for their role.
Temporary traffic management must be designed and installed by competent persons before any work begins.
High-visibility clothing to EN ISO 20471 Class 3 is the minimum standard for all highway workers.
Speed reduction measures, buffer zones, and safety zones protect workers from errant vehicles entering the work area.
Impact protection vehicles are required on high-speed roads to absorb the force of a vehicle striking the work area.
Working on live carriageways should be avoided wherever possible — off-peak and night working reduce exposure to traffic.
Constant vigilance is required — drivers may not see or respect temporary traffic management measures.

Prevent being struck	Passing vehicles at speed are the greatest danger — proper signing, barriers, and safety zones protect your life.
Legal requirement	The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and Chapter 8 require competent persons and approved traffic management.
Protect the public	Poorly managed roadworks cause accidents involving motorists and pedestrians — correct signing prevents public harm.

Do

Don't

Complete the required NRSWA competency training before working on any highway.
Follow the temporary traffic management layout and stay within the protected work area.
Wear Class 3 high-visibility clothing at all times when working on or near highways.
Check signing, coning, and barriers are in place and correct before starting work.
Stay alert to traffic movements and never turn your back to approaching vehicles.
Use a lookout or traffic marshal where visibility of approaching traffic is limited.
Position impact protection vehicles as specified in the traffic management design.
Work during off-peak hours or at night when traffic volumes allow safer working.
Carry out dynamic risk assessments throughout the shift as conditions change.
Report any damage to signs, cones, or barriers caused by passing vehicles immediately.

DON'T work on highways without a valid NRSWA competency card for your role.
DON'T step outside the protected work area into the live carriageway at any time.
DON'T work without Class 3 high-visibility clothing — you must be visible to drivers.
DON'T start work until the traffic management layout is fully installed and checked.
DON'T become complacent around traffic — vehicles may not slow down or see you.
DON'T work in areas with poor visibility of approaching traffic without a lookout.
DON'T move or remove impact protection vehicles from their designated positions.
DON'T work during peak traffic hours unless absolutely necessary and risk assessed.
DON'T assume drivers will obey speed restrictions — always be prepared to move quickly.
DON'T leave damaged or displaced traffic management equipment unrepaired on live roads.

See also: Chapter 8 Signing & Guarding | Working in Live Carriageways

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