| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess nighttime work zone conditions | Poor visibility, motorists not expecting workers, glare from equipment lights | Review site in low light; improve illumination; ensure lighting does not blind drivers; install proper work zone signage and reflective devices |
| Inspect lighting equipment | Burned out bulbs, misaligned lights, cords or generator issues | Check portable lights, arrow boards, and vehicle lighting; position lights to illuminate workspace without shining into traffic |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility, missteps due to darkness | Wear Class 3 high visibility garments, clear or dusk rated safety glasses, and personal lighting if needed |
| Set up traffic control | Motorists failing to slow down, devices not visible at night | Use high visibility cones, reflective signs, and illuminated arrow boards; place advance warning signs farther upstream at night |
| Establish safe crew positioning | Crew unintentionally moving into traffic lanes, tripping in dark areas | Mark safe zones with cones or lights; maintain good communication; assign lookout to monitor conditions |
| Begin work operations | Struck by equipment, glare reducing operator visibility, hidden ground hazards | Ensure operators use adequate lighting; reduce equipment speed; keep ground crew visible and within lighted areas |
| Maintain communication | Miscommunication leading to unsafe movements or vehicle conflicts | Use radios or hand signals that remain visible in low light; conduct regular check ins; ensure all workers know escape routes |
| Monitor lighting angles continuously | Glare blinding motorists, shadows hiding hazards | Adjust lights frequently; angle lights downward onto the work area; avoid pointing lights toward traffic or crew eyes |
| Handle materials and tools | Tripping, dropping tools, misjudging distances | Keep tools organized and in illuminated areas; secure cords and hoses; maintain three points of contact on equipment |
| Watch for fatigue | Reduced awareness, slower reaction time, errors | Rotate tasks, schedule breaks, watch for signs of drowsiness, maintain hydration and alertness |
| Wrap up and remove work zone | Workers exposed during takedown, drivers accelerating early | Remove devices in reverse order of setup, maintain lighting until all crew and equipment are clear, keep lookout posted during takedown |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Hard hat
Safety glasses (tinted or clear depending on lighting)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when near equipment
Headlamp or personal lighting as needed
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.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess nighttime work zone conditions | Poor visibility, motorists not expecting workers, glare from equipment lights | Review site in low light; improve illumination; ensure lighting does not blind drivers; install proper work zone signage and reflective devices |
| Inspect lighting equipment | Burned out bulbs, misaligned lights, cords or generator issues | Check portable lights, arrow boards, and vehicle lighting; position lights to illuminate workspace without shining into traffic |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility, missteps due to darkness | Wear Class 3 high visibility garments, clear or dusk rated safety glasses, and personal lighting if needed |
| Set up traffic control | Motorists failing to slow down, devices not visible at night | Use high visibility cones, reflective signs, and illuminated arrow boards; place advance warning signs farther upstream at night |
| Establish safe crew positioning | Crew unintentionally moving into traffic lanes, tripping in dark areas | Mark safe zones with cones or lights; maintain good communication; assign lookout to monitor conditions |
| Begin work operations | Struck by equipment, glare reducing operator visibility, hidden ground hazards | Ensure operators use adequate lighting; reduce equipment speed; keep ground crew visible and within lighted areas |
| Maintain communication | Miscommunication leading to unsafe movements or vehicle conflicts | Use radios or hand signals that remain visible in low light; conduct regular check ins; ensure all workers know escape routes |
| Monitor lighting angles continuously | Glare blinding motorists, shadows hiding hazards | Adjust lights frequently; angle lights downward onto the work area; avoid pointing lights toward traffic or crew eyes |
| Handle materials and tools | Tripping, dropping tools, misjudging distances | Keep tools organized and in illuminated areas; secure cords and hoses; maintain three points of contact on equipment |
| Watch for fatigue | Reduced awareness, slower reaction time, errors | Rotate tasks, schedule breaks, watch for signs of drowsiness, maintain hydration and alertness |
| Wrap up and remove work zone | Workers exposed during takedown, drivers accelerating early | Remove devices in reverse order of setup, maintain lighting until all crew and equipment are clear, keep lookout posted during takedown |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Hard hat
Safety glasses (tinted or clear depending on lighting)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when near equipment
Headlamp or personal lighting as needed