| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Review work zone plan and traffic control layout | Incorrect placement leading to motorist confusion, crew entering unsafe areas | Review MUTCD guidelines, verify taper lengths, sign spacing, and lane closure sequences; conduct a brief tailgate meeting |
| Assess roadway conditions | Poor visibility, tight shoulders, high traffic speed, blind curves | Adjust setup to site conditions, add extra devices for visibility, position work vehicles strategically for protection |
| Inspect traffic control devices | Damaged cones, faded signs, malfunctioning arrow board, broken stands | Check all cones, signs, barricades, and arrow boards; replace damaged or non reflective devices |
| Don required PPE | Struck by hazards, low visibility to motorists | Wear high visibility vest or jacket, hard hat, gloves, and safety glasses before entering the roadway |
| Deploy advance warning signs | Motorists approaching too fast, crew exposure to traffic | Place signs in order from farthest upstream to downstream; stay on shoulder whenever possible; use lookout to warn of approaching vehicles |
| Set up tapers and lane closures | Worker exposure in live lane, motorists entering closure prematurely | Use shadow vehicle with crash attenuator if available; set cones from the upstream end; always face traffic when placing cones |
| Position work vehicles | Rear end collisions, poor visibility, inadequate buffer | Park work vehicles at proper angle, leave headlights and beacons on, maintain buffer zone, avoid blocking sight lines |
| Maintain safe crew positioning | Crew wandering outside protected zone | Assign a lookout or traffic control supervisor; keep all crew inside the established work zone boundaries |
| Adjust work zone as operations progress | Gaps forming in taper, taper shift due to equipment movement | Re inspect layout periodically, replace moved or knocked over devices, communicate changes to all crew members |
| Remove work zone | Crew exposed during takedown, motorists accelerating too early | Remove devices in reverse order of setup, keep shadow vehicle in place until final device is removed, use lookout for traffic monitoring |
| Final inspection | Devices left behind, improperly reopened lanes | Confirm all signs, cones, and equipment are collected; ensure roadway is fully clear before leaving site |
Hard hat
High visibility vest or jacket
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when near active 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 work zone plan and traffic control layout | Incorrect placement leading to motorist confusion, crew entering unsafe areas | Review MUTCD guidelines, verify taper lengths, sign spacing, and lane closure sequences; conduct a brief tailgate meeting |
| Assess roadway conditions | Poor visibility, tight shoulders, high traffic speed, blind curves | Adjust setup to site conditions, add extra devices for visibility, position work vehicles strategically for protection |
| Inspect traffic control devices | Damaged cones, faded signs, malfunctioning arrow board, broken stands | Check all cones, signs, barricades, and arrow boards; replace damaged or non reflective devices |
| Don required PPE | Struck by hazards, low visibility to motorists | Wear high visibility vest or jacket, hard hat, gloves, and safety glasses before entering the roadway |
| Deploy advance warning signs | Motorists approaching too fast, crew exposure to traffic | Place signs in order from farthest upstream to downstream; stay on shoulder whenever possible; use lookout to warn of approaching vehicles |
| Set up tapers and lane closures | Worker exposure in live lane, motorists entering closure prematurely | Use shadow vehicle with crash attenuator if available; set cones from the upstream end; always face traffic when placing cones |
| Position work vehicles | Rear end collisions, poor visibility, inadequate buffer | Park work vehicles at proper angle, leave headlights and beacons on, maintain buffer zone, avoid blocking sight lines |
| Maintain safe crew positioning | Crew wandering outside protected zone | Assign a lookout or traffic control supervisor; keep all crew inside the established work zone boundaries |
| Adjust work zone as operations progress | Gaps forming in taper, taper shift due to equipment movement | Re inspect layout periodically, replace moved or knocked over devices, communicate changes to all crew members |
| Remove work zone | Crew exposed during takedown, motorists accelerating too early | Remove devices in reverse order of setup, keep shadow vehicle in place until final device is removed, use lookout for traffic monitoring |
| Final inspection | Devices left behind, improperly reopened lanes | Confirm all signs, cones, and equipment are collected; ensure roadway is fully clear before leaving site |
Hard hat
High visibility vest or jacket
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when near active equipment
Long pants and long sleeves