Traffic Control Safety
A safety talk focused on traffic control hazards, including worker visibility, cones, signs, flaggers, vehicle movement, changing traffic patterns, and protecting workers near roadways.
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Key Hazards
- Workers struck by passing vehicles
- Drivers missing cones, signs, flaggers, or lane shifts
- Improper traffic control device placement
- Poor visibility from weather, darkness, curves, or hills
- Workers standing in unsafe locations near traffic
- Traffic patterns changing during setup, work, or teardown
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Traffic control protects workers, drivers, pedestrians, and equipment when work occurs near roads, parking lots, driveways, or public access areas.
The traffic control setup should match the work area, road speed, traffic volume, visibility, and length of the job.
Cones, signs, barricades, arrow boards, flaggers, and work vehicles should be placed so drivers have enough warning and time to respond.
Workers should wear high-visibility clothing when exposed to traffic or moving equipment.
Worker positioning matters. No one should stand in a lane, shoulder, blind spot, or escape path unless the task requires it and protection is in place.
Traffic control devices should be checked during the job. Wind, traffic, equipment, pedestrians, or work activity can move cones, signs, or barricades out of position.
Setup and teardown are high-risk times because workers may be exposed before the work zone is fully built or after drivers think the work is finished.
Safe traffic control depends on planning, visibility, correct device placement, worker awareness, communication, and stopping work if traffic is not being controlled.
Safety Reminders
- Review the traffic control plan before work begins.
- Wear high-visibility clothing.
- Place signs, cones, and devices where drivers have time to react.
- Stay out of traffic lanes unless protected.
- Check devices during the job.
- Use communication during setup and teardown.
- Stop work if traffic control is not effective.
Ask the Crew
- What traffic hazards are present today?
- Are signs, cones, and devices placed correctly?
- Can approaching drivers see the work zone in time?
- Where should workers stand to stay out of traffic exposure?
- How will the crew adjust if traffic control devices move or conditions change?