| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Review flagging plan and traffic control layout | Incorrect positioning, unclear signals, motorists confused about lane use | Review MUTCD procedures, confirm flagger stations, taper lengths, and sign placement; conduct tailgate briefing |
| Inspect flagging equipment | Damaged paddles, non reflective gear, faulty radios | Check STOP SLOW paddle, two way radios, high visibility clothing, and flashlights; replace worn or non reflective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility to motorists, struck by hazard | Wear high visibility vest or jacket rated for the speed zone, hard hat, and safety glasses |
| Position flagger correctly | Standing in unsafe locations, blind spots, poor reaction time | Stand on shoulder or designated safe area, never in lane of travel; maintain escape path; avoid standing near curves or hills |
| Establish communication with other flaggers | Confusion leading to head on traffic conflicts | Use radios or clear hand signals; confirm visual contact if possible; coordinate STOP and SLOW directions precisely |
| Begin controlling traffic | Motorists failing to stop, distracted drivers, aggressive drivers | Hold STOP paddle firmly and fully visible; stand with paddle extended; make eye contact with drivers; remain alert for unexpected actions |
| Maintain safe spacing and visibility | Motorists not seeing flagger, drivers speeding through zone | Keep signs and cones properly placed, adjust flagger location if motorists appear confused, reposition to improve sight distance |
| Watch for crew movement | Crew entering live lanes without warning | Maintain communication with work crew; stop traffic whenever workers must enter or cross the roadway |
| Manage traffic queues | Gridlock, rear end collisions, blocked intersections | Monitor queue length; rotate STOP and SLOW appropriately; coordinate with opposite flagger to prevent both directions releasing simultaneously |
| Handle emergency vehicles | Delays or blocked access | Immediately clear lane for emergency vehicles; communicate with crew and opposite flagger; resume normal control afterward |
| End flagging operations | Workers exposed during work zone takedown | Maintain flagging until all cones and signs are removed; continue to face traffic; leave station only when roadway is confirmed open and safe |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 2 or Class 3 depending on speed)
Hard hat
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when near heavy equipment
Long pants and long sleeves
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Work Zone & Traffic Control Safety
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Review flagging plan and traffic control layout | Incorrect positioning, unclear signals, motorists confused about lane use | Review MUTCD procedures, confirm flagger stations, taper lengths, and sign placement; conduct tailgate briefing |
| Inspect flagging equipment | Damaged paddles, non reflective gear, faulty radios | Check STOP SLOW paddle, two way radios, high visibility clothing, and flashlights; replace worn or non reflective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility to motorists, struck by hazard | Wear high visibility vest or jacket rated for the speed zone, hard hat, and safety glasses |
| Position flagger correctly | Standing in unsafe locations, blind spots, poor reaction time | Stand on shoulder or designated safe area, never in lane of travel; maintain escape path; avoid standing near curves or hills |
| Establish communication with other flaggers | Confusion leading to head on traffic conflicts | Use radios or clear hand signals; confirm visual contact if possible; coordinate STOP and SLOW directions precisely |
| Begin controlling traffic | Motorists failing to stop, distracted drivers, aggressive drivers | Hold STOP paddle firmly and fully visible; stand with paddle extended; make eye contact with drivers; remain alert for unexpected actions |
| Maintain safe spacing and visibility | Motorists not seeing flagger, drivers speeding through zone | Keep signs and cones properly placed, adjust flagger location if motorists appear confused, reposition to improve sight distance |
| Watch for crew movement | Crew entering live lanes without warning | Maintain communication with work crew; stop traffic whenever workers must enter or cross the roadway |
| Manage traffic queues | Gridlock, rear end collisions, blocked intersections | Monitor queue length; rotate STOP and SLOW appropriately; coordinate with opposite flagger to prevent both directions releasing simultaneously |
| Handle emergency vehicles | Delays or blocked access | Immediately clear lane for emergency vehicles; communicate with crew and opposite flagger; resume normal control afterward |
| End flagging operations | Workers exposed during work zone takedown | Maintain flagging until all cones and signs are removed; continue to face traffic; leave station only when roadway is confirmed open and safe |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 2 or Class 3 depending on speed)
Hard hat
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when near heavy equipment
Long pants and long sleeves