Internal Traffic Control Plan

The work space inside the roadway construction work zone can be as hazardous to worker safety as passing traffic. More than 20 U.S. roadway workers die each year as a result of back-over accidents. Workers on foot are especially at risk of being hit by trucks that are backing up because these vehicles have large blind spots. The driver is often unable to see much of what is present on the ground around the vehicle, and audible backup signals are often not sufficient to warn the on-the-ground workers in a noisy construction environment.

To address concerns such as these, employers and other competent individuals should develop an internal traffic control plan (ITCP). An ITCP is a tool that foremen and supervisors can use to control the movement of vehicles, equipment, and workers in the work zone. While the development and use of an ITCP is not regulated by the FHWA or OSHA, the document is considered by roadway construction safety experts to be a critically important part of the overall project safety plan. Foremen and supervisors should receive training about both the general principles of safe construction traffic control and the specific ITCP employed at the worksite. All employees must be made aware of and observe designated no-backing zones and pedestrian-free zones.

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