TRD/Highways/TBT-TRD-012

Road Worker Safety

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Road Worker Safety

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-TRD-012  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Road workers carry out construction, maintenance, and repair activities on live or partially live highways.
  • Being struck by a vehicle is the primary fatal hazard — road workers are killed on UK roads every year.
  • All road workers must hold appropriate NRSWA or sector scheme qualifications for the work category.
  • Chapter 8 compliant high-visibility clothing must be worn at all times when on the highway.
  • Traffic management must be in place before any worker enters the carriageway on foot.
  • Setting out and removing traffic management are the most dangerous phases of any road work operation.
  • Road workers are exposed to vehicle fumes, noise, vibration, manual handling, and weather extremes.
  • Fatigue from night working and early morning shifts reduces alertness near live traffic.
  • Speed compliance by passing motorists is often poor, increasing the risk of incursion into work zones.
  • Road workers must maintain constant awareness of traffic movement and their position relative to live lanes.

Why?

Fatal riskRoad workers operate within metres of high-speed traffic — a single moment of inattention by a driver can be fatal.
Legal complianceNRSWA and Chapter 8 set mandatory competence and signing requirements for all road work activities.
Health hazardsProlonged exposure to fumes, noise, vibration, and night working causes cumulative health damage.
Do Don't
  • Hold the correct NRSWA or sector scheme qualification for your work category
  • Wear Chapter 8 compliant high-visibility clothing at all times on the highway
  • Ensure traffic management is fully in place before entering the carriageway
  • Attend the pre-work briefing covering TM layout, escape routes, and hazards
  • Maintain awareness of traffic movement and your position relative to live lanes
  • Use an IPV for protection during TM setup and removal on high-speed roads
  • Wear hearing protection where traffic and equipment noise exceeds safe levels
  • Take scheduled rest breaks to manage fatigue during night and early shifts
  • Report any vehicle incursions, sign strikes, or near misses immediately
  • Keep within the designated working space and never enter the safety zone
  • DON'T enter the carriageway before traffic management is confirmed in place
  • DON'T turn your back to oncoming traffic for extended periods
  • DON'T wear non-compliant or dirty high-visibility clothing on the highway
  • DON'T work ahead of the IPV during setup or removal of traffic management
  • DON'T use a mobile phone or wear headphones while working near live traffic
  • DON'T stand between vehicles and traffic — always keep an escape route clear
  • DON'T work when fatigued — report concerns about fitness to your supervisor
  • DON'T assume drivers will see you or slow down — always expect the unexpected
  • DON'T cross live lanes on foot without traffic management or marshal control
  • DON'T become complacent about traffic risk during long-duration road works

See also: Highway Works Safety Awareness | Chapter 8 Signing and Guarding
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