Innovations and Best Practices to Improve Work Zone Safety
Safety: Blind Spots, Proximity Warning & Camera Systems An
Overview
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Outline Work Zone Statistics Motorist challenges Construction
site challenges Intrusion Devices Blind Spots / Camera Systems Work
Zone Safety Best Practices Internal Traffic Control Plans
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Fatalities in Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes in 2007 2007 total
40,224 2007 Work Zone total 835 Roughly 10% of all fatalities are
actual workers Most of the fatalities are a result of Construction
vehicles and equipment, not the traveling public. Colorado 2007 541
total fatalities from crashes 13 Work Zone related fatalities
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Workers on Foot Construction Vehicle Only Source: Census of
Fatal Occupational Injuries, special research file Deaths by
Construction Vehicle Type 41% 14.3% 14% 7.7% 10.4% 6.5% 6%
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Understanding the motoring public The highway transportation
system is composed of three basic elements: Roadway, Vehicle, and
Driver. A high degree of control is exercised over the first two
elements.
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Understanding the motoring public Drivers, however, must be
accepted pretty much as they are.
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Driver characteristics and limitations Drivers over rate their
ability Drivers attitudes vary Physical ability varies
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Intrusion Alarms Work Zone Safety
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Intrusion Alarm SonoBlaster Dual Alert Work Zone Intrusion
Alarm Impact activated safety device 125 dB horn blast upon impact
Notify workers, alert the driver
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Intrusion Alarm SAFETY-LINE Intrusion Alarm System Dual beam
system Can be linked together one mile or more Broken beam = 125 dB
siren
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Intrusion Alarm Intellistrobe AFAD Lane Intrusion Safety
System. Auto Flagger / Lane Intrusion Alarm Device
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BLIND SPOTS Work Zone Safety
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Definition of Blind Spot A blind spot is the area around a
vehicle or piece of construction equipment that is not visible to
the operators, either by direct line-of-sight or indirectly by use
of internal and external mirrors.
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Problem Workers must be near moving equipment Blind areas
around equipment extensive
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Vehicle Blind Spot Hazards Running over people Running over
materials Striking other equipment and vehicles Rollovers Contact
with utilities
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Blind Area (Polar Grid Method) Not Visible to Operator Visible
in mirrors only
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Systems Selected for Long Term Tests with WSDOT
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Radar Systems Preview Preco Electronics Guardian Alert
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Guardian Alert Radar System Dump and Bridge Insp. Trucks
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Results: Small and easy to mount Does not detect people very
well Good detection of other objects
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Camera Systems Clarion heated cameraIntec camera
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Camera Systems Mining Industry Example
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Intec Camera System Dump Truck Small camera that can mount on
side of dump box Size of 2 inch cube
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Intec Camera System Dump Truck Results: Small size allowed for
good mounting location Most drivers found it useful Reliable
operation during 5 month test Would have problems in winter
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Camera and Radar Sanding Truck Two systems selected for winter
tests on a sanding truck: Precos Preview radar Clarion heated
camera with shield 2 month test (Dec. Jan.) in harsh conditions
Camera Radar
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Camera and Radar Sanding Truck
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Results: Camera and radar effective in dry conditions Problems
in snow, rain: Snow, ice, mud build- up after 5 miles Camera lens
shield froze then broke Radar false alarms from snow and mud on
antenna Improvements needed!
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Ultrasonic System Sensors Hindsight 20/20
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Hindsight Sonar Dump Truck Ultrasonic-based system
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Hindsight Sonar Dump Truck Results: Drivers said system is
reliable in most conditions Concerned about detection range of 8 ft
Some false alarms in heavy dust Constant false alarms when trailer
is being pulled (optional trailer system needed)
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Conclusions Sensor systems (radar, sonar, infrared): False
alarms are possible Nuisance alarms can be numerous in crowded work
areas Camera systems: Provide view of blind area Do not alarm so
potential collision may go unnoticed May not work in winter
conditions Good solution for crowded work zones during warmer
months A combination of sensors and a camera may be best solution
for warmer months Alarm prompts driver to check video Video allows
driver to check source of alarm
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Other Ideas The TagView System
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Rear Vision Camera System 3 rd EYE 7 color or B/W flat screen 2
camera capacity Compact Heavy Duty Color Camera Built in microphone
shock and vibration resistant LED night vision function
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Best Practices Work Zone Safety
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Stop-Signals Stop Light Signal Trailer System
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Work Zone Safety - UTC Best Practice Uniform Traffic Control
Making it better: Provide Work Zone and Temporary Traffic Control
Training Give them room to work
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Work Zone Safety Public Information Public Information and
Outreach Making it better: Clear detour routes Give them enough
lead time Establish roles and responsibilities before the project
begins.
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Work Zone Safety Public Information Do not needlessly burden
the motorist. Clear, credible messages Public perception is
reality
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Work Zone Safety Physical Barriers Physical Barriers for worker
protection Making it better: Consider all options for protection Do
not get complacent
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Work Zone Safety Speed Reduction
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Work Zone Safety - Training Training Options Work Zone
Awareness ARTBA OSHA 10
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Internal Traffic Control Plans
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Why Develop an Internal Traffic Control Plan? Coordinate
vehicle/equipment movement inside the work zone Limit exposure of
workers on foot to construction traffic Reduce hazards for
equipment operators
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Proposed Definition of Internal Traffic Control Plans (ITCP)
STRATEGIES TO CONTROL THE FLOW OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, VEHICLES
AND EQUIPMENT INSIDE THE WORKZONE
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ITCP Principles of Safe Construction Traffic Control Reducing
the need to back up equipment Limiting access points to work zones
Establishing pedestrian-free areas where possible Establishing work
zone layouts commensurate with type of equipment Providing signs
within the work zone to give guidance to pedestrians, equipment and
trucks Designing buffer spaces to protect pedestrians from errant
vehicles or work zone equipment
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ITCP Components Notes Page Safety Points Personnel Equipment
Legend Method Specific Work Area Diagrams Dimensions Movement Flow
Workzone Limits Signage
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Safety Points: No workers in traffic zone Spotter uses hands
free radio to talk to trucks No workers on foot between a backing
truck and the paver No rollers within 50 feet of the back of the
paver Inspectors remain away from paving train and notify spotter
before obtaining samples Internal Traffic Control Plan
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Internal Traffic Control Plans Paving Model Plan Traffic
Adjacent
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Review TCP (for Work Zones) and Other Contract Documents
Determine Site Specific ITCP Needs Draw Work Space Add Pedestrian
and Equipment Paths Locate Staging Areas Prepare Notes and Plan
Steps in Preparation of ITCPs
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Key Elements of a Vehicle Backing Safety Program Equipment
designed to minimize blind areas Equipment inspections/preventative
maintenance Layout work areas to avoid backing Use of spotters
Training for operators and workers on foot Use of high visibility
vests Use of other backing safety devices (engineering
controls)
