Vehicle & Equipment Hazards

Roadway work zones increase the risk of vehicles and equipment striking workers. These accidents, known as "struck-by" accidents, involve a moving vehicle or the action of a piece of equipment hitting a person. A variety of factors make this an unfortunately common type of accident, as follows:

• Roadway work zones are often noisy, which makes it difficult to clearly communicate. Workers may not hear backup alarms or warning signals.
• Due to large blind spots, operators of construction vehicles and equipment are often unable to see much of what is going on below and around the vehicle.
• Workers on foot may be focusing on something in front of them and fail to notice the presence of a vehicle behind them.
• A worker may have a minor accident (for example, a trip and fall) that puts him or her in the path of a vehicle.
• A passing driver who is speeding, distracted, or impaired may lose control of his or her vehicle, enter the work zone; and strike a worker.

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