Flaggers are critical to work zone safety. Their position on the front lines requires them to possess a specific skill set.
FLAGGER SAFETY DOs & DON’Ts
- Wear ANSI Class 2 or Class 3 high visibility apparel.
- Always be visible to traffic.
- Follow the traffic control plan.
- Always use approved stop/slow paddles.
- Communicate specific instructions to motorists.
- Respond in an emergency.
- Allow time and distance for drivers to react.
- Coordinate with other flaggers.
- Maintain good approach sight distance.
- Never stand in a moving traffic lane.
- Always have an escape route.
- Remove signs if you’re not flagging.
- Stand alone on the shoulder in clear view.
- Never stand in the open traffic lane.
- Warn others in a work zone of dangerous situations.
- Allow reaction distance from signs – the flagger station should be the same distance in advance of the work zone as the buffer length.
- Never turn your back on traffic.
- Do not stand where you can be struck by construction equipment.
- Do not stand in the shade, over the crest of a hill or around a sharp curve where you can’t be seen.
- Do not use your cell phone.
- Do not listen to music or use earphones.
- Do not leave your position until you are properly relieved.
