Work Zone Safety Devices

Work zone safety devices - a subject covered in extensive detail in the MUTCD - help to reduce the dangers related to working near moving traffic. The following are some categories of devices used in roadway work zones:

• Positive protection devices - A barrier designed to contain or redirect the path of a moving vehicle. Examples include portable concrete barriers, guardrails, sand barrels, and truck- or trailer-mounted attenuators. All types of positive protection devices must be crash-worthy and designed to absorb the impact of a moving vehicle.
• Lighting - Nighttime work zones use temporary lighting so that the roadway work zone and roadway leading up to it are more visible. A variety of devices can be used to illuminate the roadway work zone, but, as we noted earlier, glare must be controlled.
• Signage - A specific set of MUTCD-approved signs are used in a roadway work zone to communicate with passing drivers. Signage in a temporary traffic control (TTC) zone communicates key information to drivers through words, symbols, and arrows. There are three primary categories of signs, as follows:
  • Regulatory signs advise road users of upcoming changes in the TTC zone.
  • Warning signs alert road users to upcoming dangers.
  • Guide signs provide instructions.

This is just a selection of possible work zone safety devices. For each roadway work zone, a competent person should devise the optimum plan for using devices such as those listed here to protect worker safety.

To learn more about Roadway Work Zones visit our Worker Safety in Roadway Work Zones Online Training web page.