Working in a live carriageway with traffic passing at speed is one of the highest-risk activities in the construction industry. Workers are separated from vehicles travelling at 30 to 70 mph by nothing more than cones and signs. A single moment of inattention by a driver or a worker stepping outside the safe zone can result in a fatal collision. Strict compliance with traffic management procedures, constant vigilance, and personal discipline are the only things that keep highway workers alive.
Key Hazards
Being struck by errant vehicles breaching the traffic management layout
Workers stepping outside the coned safe zone into live traffic lanes
High-speed vehicles passing within metres creating wind blast and debris risk
Reduced driver visibility at night, in rain, or fog increasing collision risk
Control Measures
Remain inside the signed and coned works area at all times during the entire shift.
Wear EN ISO 20471 Class 3 high-visibility clothing and ensure it is clean and reflective.
Follow the Chapter 8 traffic management layout exactly as designed and briefed.
Never turn your back on approaching traffic without a physical barrier between you and the lane.
Use an impact protection vehicle where required to absorb the energy of errant vehicles.
Maintain a lookout for approaching traffic and be ready to move to a safe refuge at all times.
Enter and exit the works area only from the designated access point, never through live lanes.
Stop work immediately if any traffic management sign, cone, or barrier is displaced or damaged.
Attend the pre-shift briefing covering the traffic management layout and emergency escape routes.
Emergency / Rescue
If a vehicle enters the works area, move immediately to the nearest safe refuge point. Do not attempt to stop or redirect the vehicle. Call 999 and report the incursion to the traffic management team.
Remember
You are separated from vehicles at lethal speed by nothing more than plastic cones and signs.
Stay inside the works area at all times and never step into or cross a live traffic lane.
A moment of inattention from a driver at 60 mph gives you less than one second to react.
Impact protection vehicles save lives by absorbing the collision energy from errant vehicles.
Displaced traffic management must be reinstated before work resumes to maintain protection.
Working in live carriageways requires the highest level of personal discipline and constant vigilance.
Applicable Legislation: Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 · New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 · CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974