Working on or near live highways is one of the most dangerous environments in construction. Workers face the constant risk of being struck by vehicles travelling at high speed. Every year, highway workers are killed or seriously injured despite traffic management being in place. Strict compliance with Chapter 8 signing, lighting, and guarding requirements, combined with constant vigilance, is essential to stay safe when working on the public road network.
Key Hazards
Being struck by vehicles entering the works area at high speed
Workers stepping outside the safe zone into live traffic lanes
Plant and pedestrian conflicts within the restricted works area
Control Measures
Ensure all temporary traffic management complies with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.
Complete a site-specific risk assessment for every highway works location before starting.
Wear high-visibility clothing meeting EN ISO 20471 Class 3 standard at all times.
Stay within the signed and guarded works area and never step into live traffic lanes.
Use an impact protection vehicle where required to protect the works from errant vehicles.
Position plant to avoid the need for reversing wherever possible within the works area.
Brief all workers on the traffic management layout, escape routes, and emergency procedures.
Monitor traffic management throughout the shift and repair any damage to signs or barriers immediately.
Ensure adequate lighting is provided for all night-time highway works operations.
Emergency / Rescue
If a vehicle enters the works area, move immediately to the nearest safe refuge point. Call 999 and the traffic management contractor. Do not attempt to redirect traffic yourself.
Remember
Highway works are among the most dangerous construction activities in the UK.
Stay within the works area at all times and never cross live traffic lanes on foot.
Chapter 8 compliance is not optional — incorrect signing puts lives at immediate risk.
An impact protection vehicle absorbs the energy of a collision and saves lives.
Constant vigilance is essential because drivers can be distracted, tired, or impaired.
If traffic management is damaged or displaced, stop work until it is correctly reinstated.
Applicable Legislation: New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 · Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 · CDM Regulations 2015 · Highways Act 1980