Flagging Traffic: One of the Most Crucial Jobs in the Industry

One of the most critical occupations in the road construction industry is flagging traffic. Flaggers are responsible not only for the safety of the workers on a site, but also for the public who must travel through the work zone. Since accidents on a construction site negatively impact so many parties - workers, motorists, the company itself - flaggers carry an enormous amount of responsibility. They must be alert and anticipate potential problems in order to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some tips for insuring optimal safety for everyone when flagging traffic:

• Get a solid overall view of the work operation. This will help with anticipating changes and quickly responding when necessary.
• Have the correct paddles and/or flags meeting State requirements for size.
• Wear Hi-Viz gear. Motorists need spot you quickly, and from a distance, so that they have sufficient time react to the changes in traffic patterns and avoid injuries to themselves, you, and/or other workers.
• Never turn your back on traffic. Distracted driving is an unfortunate but all-too-common occurrence. Drivers are often looking at their devices and not at the road or for you, so you must be on the look out for them.
• Only designated flag persons should be directing traffic (with the exception of emergency situations). Flaggers should be alert to changing traffic patters as well as shifts in construction operations.
• Be firm but polite with the public. It is important to ensure an accident doesn't happen, but keep in mind that the road is the public's highway. You, as a flagger, are not only representing your company, but the industry at large, so be as courteous as possible while keeping all parties safe.