Whether you’re on a highway construction crew or just stepping onto the shoulder to change a flat tire, working near traffic creates serious risks. Knowing how to stay safe can make the difference between getting home safely and becoming a statistic.
On this episode of the WorkSafe Podcast, we explore roadside safety with Jon Nelson, a State Highway Safety & Traffic Engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation. With years of experience in roadside safety and public outreach, Jon brings practical insights into what it takes to keep employees safe around roadways.
The alarming scope of roadside work incidents
The numbers paint a sobering picture. The National Safety Council reports that work zone crashes claimed the lives of 898 people and injured 40,170 in 2023. Since 2014, work zone deaths have increased 34%. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that most fatalities in work zones are drivers of vehicles. However, about 20% are pedestrians.
Nelson sees this reality across Missouri’s extensive road network. “We have around a thousand work zones in place at any given time on any given day in Missouri,” he explained. “Between MoDOT crews, contractors and other workers that are out there, there are literally thousands of men and women working on the road every day.”
The scope of this risk extends far beyond the road construction industry. Among work zone fatalities are:
- Law enforcement officers making traffic stops
- Utility employees maintaining infrastructure
- First responders responding to accidents
- Tow truck operators helping stranded motorists
- Everyday drivers dealing with car trouble
“Unfortunately, we have about 150 pedestrians killed every year in our state,” Nelson explained. “Anywhere from 10 to 20% of those people actually didn’t start their trip as a pedestrian.” Roadside issues like flat tires, mechanical problems, and other emergencies put ordinary people in high-risk situations.
What can you do to navigate these situations as safely as possible – whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver? Here’s what you need to know.
Essential safety practices workers can control
While you can’t control how others drive, you can take critical steps as a business owner to significantly reduce your employees’ risk in roadside scenarios.
Training requirements for every role
Preparing employees to perform roadside duties safely starts with thoughtful and consistent training requirements. Document the requirements for each role and make sure employees complete the required training before they enter the roadway.
Many of these roles need training that goes beyond the basics to cover specific safety steps. Consider flaggers. While their job may seem simple, they perform some of the most critical work.
“A flagger may have very specific ways they’re supposed to face traffic, or where they’re supposed to stand, or where they put the cones out,” explained Nelson. “That’s actually probably the most important job in that entire work zone.”
Personal protective equipment that works
High-visibility gear makes it easier for drivers to spot employees and prevent incidents. But effective high-vis gear needs to do more than just look bright. Employees need PPE that meets specific standards and stays visible in all weather and lighting conditions.
📍 We cover all things high-vis in this guide: High-visibility Safety Gear That’s More Than Just Bright Colors
Environmental challenges require smart adaptations
The risks of working near roads can change by the day. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly assess the work environment and make safety decisions appropriately. “Before our crews go out and do whatever work they’re going to do for that day, one of the things they do is a risk-based assessment of that specific job at that location,” commented Nelson.
Site-specific risk assessment
What does a site-specific assessment include? Before starting roadside work, take a look at these key factors:
- Traffic patterns that change by time of day
- Overhead power lines and potential dangers
- Ground features like steep drop-offs
- Sight distance limitations for approaching drivers
Weather and visibility considerations
Working out in the elements can present a wide range of challenges. Make sure you’re prepared to respond to different scenarios, from excessive heat to winter weather. Here are some common environmental challenges and the adaptations you’ll need to make to keep crews safe:
| Environmental challenge | Safety adaptation |
| Extreme heat | Mandatory water breaks, earlier start times |
| Winter storms | Possible work stoppage for crew safety |
| Rain and low visibility | Better lighting, modified traffic control |
| High winds | Secure equipment, careful employee positioning |
Communication is a critical safety lifeline
Many incidents and injuries can be traced back to a lack of clear communication. Solid, consistent communication practices keep everyone on the same page and help prevent incidents in high-risk roadside environments.
Teamwork makes the safety dream work
Create safety layers by making sure crews are looking out for each other. This teamwork becomes crucial when crew members operate heavy equipment or work with their backs to traffic. Teams must establish clear communication using radios, hand signals, and face-to-face conversation to ensure everyone is aware of what’s happening around them.
“You need to know what your coworkers are doing,” said Nelson. “You need to know where that equipment is getting ready to move to. You need to know when that flagger releases traffic to come your direction.”
Clear signs and traffic control
The importance of communication extends beyond the work crew to the public driving through. “When we set up our work zones, we need to make sure that we’re clearly communicating those expectations for those drivers as they approach,” Nelson explained. Advance warning gives drivers time to process lane closures and understand exactly which lane is affected and where the closure occurs.
Overcoming complacency to routine dangers
Even experienced crews face the challenge of staying safety-focused when roadside work becomes routine. “We get so accustomed to doing what we do,” Nelson said. “Sometimes, we just slip into autopilot mode. And there’s a real risk with that.”
Speaking up about unsafe practices
Teach employees to speak up if they see colleagues not following safety protocol. Explicitly setting this expectation helps remove some of the stigma around ‘calling someone out.’ “Do it in a respectful manner,” reminds Nelson. “Do it from a mindset of keeping each other safe.”
➡️ Here’s an example: If you see a coworker entering a work area without proper high-visibility gear, don’t assume someone else will address it. Approach them directly: “Hey, I noticed you don’t have your vest on. Why don’t you grab one from the truck? We always wear high-vis gear in that area for safety.” Intermediate intervention keeps a small oversight from becoming a major incident.
Taking the first steps toward better roadside safety
Practically speaking, what can you do to strengthen your roadside safety program? Start here.
Safety policies and procedures
For organizations with roadside construction crews, documenting and training employees on safety protocols is critical. These should include:
- Vehicle operation standards and requirements
- Communication protocols for high-risk work environments
- Training requirements before employees work near roadways
Even if your employees aren’t working roadside, Nelson stressed that these risks affect most employers. Remember, most roadside incident fatalities are drivers, not pedestrians.
“Almost all employers have employees who drive every day,” Nelson pointed out, “whether that’s part of the job or just getting to and from the workplace.” Create practical safe driving policies and training for all employees, including:
- Emergency roadside procedures for unexpected situations
- Distracted driving policy that covers cell phone use
- Defensive driving training to improve overall safety on the road
📍 Get a jump start by downloading our free safe driving policies: Four Must-Have Safe Driving Policies for Every Business
Individual accountability and public responsibility
During training and safety meetings, remind employees that everyone who drives through work zones shares responsibility for employee safety. Nelson laid out non-negotiable guidelines for any driver in a work zone:
“No matter what, I’m going to slow down. I’m going to put the phone down. I’m going to pay full attention. It doesn’t matter if I’m running late, if I’ve had a bad day, or if I really need to make that phone call.”
Making this commitment as a driver and relaying this expectation to employees can reduce the number of work zone incidents and save lives.
➡️ The bottom line: Roadside safety takes proper training, equipment, communication, and mutual accountability. While we can’t eliminate all risks, following proven safety practices reduces the chance that anyone working near roads becomes part of these tragic statistics.
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