Special Situation Hazards

Some roadway work zone hazards may not pertain to all workers at all times, but certain special situation hazards must still be considered.

If a roadway project requires workers to be on the job for extended hours with little time off, or to work alternating day and night shifts, the result can be worker fatigue. Fatigue is associated with slower response times and impaired decision-making abilities, both of which present dangerous risks in a hazardous environment.

The weather is a potentially dangerous factor present in any type of outdoor work. Illness, injury and, even fatalities can occur as a result of the hazards of heat and cold. Though workers and their employer often accept extreme weather conditions as just "part of the job," road project managers should identify and plan for the risks involved with working in weather extremes. All employees must learn to recognize and respond to symptoms of weather-related illness in themselves and their coworkers.

Any emergency at or near the work zone is likely to cause disruption in the normal patterns of activity. As a result, other accidents can occur. While each emergency situation requires its own set of responses, a lack of advance planning for emergencies can create problems. For example, if workers or others at the work site cannot quickly and accurately give their location to emergency dispatchers, valuable response time may be lost.

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