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Toolbox talk for traffic control

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Traffic Control Procedures and Regulations ==========================================

Date: 2025-09-27

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all workers understand and adhere to traffic control procedures and regulations to prevent accidents and injuries.

Introduction

Traffic control is critical for maintaining safe work zones and protecting both workers and the public. This toolbox talk will cover essential procedures and regulations.

Hazard Identification

Identifying potential hazards is the first step in preventing accidents. Let's discuss the hazards associated with traffic control.

  • Being struck by moving vehicles.: Severe injuries or fatalities to workers within the work zone.

(Risk: High)

  • Inadequate lighting during night work.: Reduced visibility, increasing the risk of accidents involving workers and motorists. [1]

(Risk: Medium)

  • Tripping hazards from improperly placed traffic control devices or extension cords.: Injuries from falls, potential for secondary incidents if a worker falls into the path of traffic. [2]

[5]

(Risk: Medium)

  • Electrical hazards from damaged extension cords or improper grounding.: Electric shock, burns, or electrocution. [5]

(Risk: High)

  • Equipment malfunction.: Serious injury.

Control Measures

  • Use high-visibility safety apparel (HVSA).: Ensure all workers wear appropriate HVSA, such as Type R (Roadway) apparel around motorist traffic or in roadway work zones, and Type R Performance Class 3 at night for enhanced visibility. [1]

[1] [1]

  • Ensure adequate lighting.: Provide sufficient lighting in the work area, especially during night shifts, to ensure workers are visible to each other and oncoming traffic. Regularly check field lighting for brightness and adjust as needed. [1]

[4]

  • Implement proper traffic control devices.: Use traffic cones, barriers, and signage to clearly delineate the work zone and guide traffic safely around it. Set arrow panels at appropriate nighttime light levels to avoid blinding drivers. [1]

[4]

  • Regular equipment inspection.: Inspect equipment before using it to make sure it is in safe working order and good repair. [3]
  • Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).: Utilize GFCIs to protect against electrical faults when using extension cords and electrical equipment. [2]

[5]

  • Maintain clear pathways and manage cords.: Keep extension cords away from foot traffic to prevent tripping hazards and damage to the cords. [2]

[5]

  • De-energize electrical circuits.: Always de-energize, lock out, and tag all electrical systems before working on electrical circuits. Always verify that electrical systems are de-energized, by testing with an AC voltage detector. [6]

[10]

  • Provide trench protection.: Make sure trench protection is provided by your employer. OSHA allows benching or sloping ground, shoring, or shielding with supports or trench boxes. [11]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • High-Visibility Safety Apparel: Must be worn at all times to ensure visibility to motorists and equipment operators, especially during low-light conditions or at night. Type R Class 3 apparel is recommended for nighttime work. [4]
  • Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust, debris, and other potential hazards. [8]

[12] [13] [14]

  • Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, and electrical hazards. Ensure gloves are in good condition and suitable for the task. [9]

[7]

  • Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear. [9]

Emergency Procedures

  1. In the event of an accident involving a vehicle, immediately secure the area to prevent further incidents.
  2. For electrical incidents, immediately de-energize the circuit if safe to do so and call for qualified assistance.
  3. In case of a trench collapse, do not enter the trench. Call emergency services immediately.

Questions and Answers

  • Q: What should I do if I see a traffic control device that is damaged or out of place?

A: Report it immediately to your supervisor so it can be repaired or replaced to maintain a safe work zone.

  • Q: What is the proper procedure for setting up a temporary traffic control zone?

A: Follow the site-specific traffic control plan, use appropriate PPE, and ensure all devices are correctly positioned according to regulations.

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Adherence to traffic control procedures and regulations is crucial for preventing accidents and injuries.
  • Always wear required PPE, including high-visibility apparel and safety glasses.
  • Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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14 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Toolbox Talk: Arc Welding and Electrical Safety

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## How can we stay safe today? (cont.) Construction Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● # Arc Welding and Electrical Safety - Look for frayed welding leads and damage to the cable insulation and welder. - Ground the welder case so that if a problem develops inside it, a fuse will blow and disconnect the power. - Use mats of plywood, rubber, or some other dry insulation to stand or lie on. - Wear dry gloves in good condition, eye protection, long sleeves, and footwear when welding. GET INFORMATION CDC/NIOSH INFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-[redacted phone]) | TTY: 1-[redacted phone] | cdc.gov/info | cdc.gov/niosh CPWR: Contact [redacted phone] | [redacted email] | www.cpwr.com/toolbox-talks DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-128 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.[redacted postal code]/NIOSHPUB2022128 | August 2022

[2] Toolbox Talk: Extension Cord Safety

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Electrical Safety: Construction Toolbox Talk Extension Cords NIOSH CPWR [● On construction sites, flexible extension cords for powering tools and equipment are everywhere. These cords are often loose and uncovered. They can cause tripping hazards. They also can be damaged easily and can create electrical hazards. An electric shock can result in an electrical burn or even heart failure and death. A shock that is strong enough to throw you away from the electrical source can result in other types of physical injuries. ## Bernard's Story Bernard was using a coring machine to make holes in a concrete floor. The 120-volt machine was powered by two extension cords connected together. One cord was missing its grounding prong. The cords were plugged into a permanent electrical outlet. Bernard placed the coring machine where he wanted to make the hole. When he turned on the power, Bernard received a shock and suffered an electrical burn to his hand. *What caused this incident? *How could this have been prevented? * Have you ever been injured due to an extension cord, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## Remember This • Inspect all extension cords before using for damage and missing grounding prongs. • Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to protect against any electrical fault. • Keep extension cords away from foot traffic to prevent tripping hazards and damage to the cords. The insulation in cords and electrical tools can become damaged. If a live wire touches exposed metal parts inside a tool, it can become energized. • Do not use extension cords/flexible wiring - Where frequent inspection would be difficult. - Where damage would be likely. - Where long-term electrical supply is necessary. An extension cord is not a substitute for fixed wiring. • Do not use a metal outlet box, Romex, or nonmetallic cable as an extension cord. • Do not use staples or nails to hold cords in place. • Do not use multiple cords connected together (use o…

[3] Toolbox Talk: Nail Gun Safety

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## Remember This (cont.) CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Nail Gun Safety Z-87+ * Always use a nail gun with a sequential trigger. Contact triggers (bump nailers) cause twice as many injuries and overall don't save time. - Always wear safety glasses manufactured as (or marked on the frame as) Z87+. - When toe-nailing, never try to hold the gun flush against the workpiece. ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

[4] Toolbox Talk: Power Saws

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Open source document

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## Remember This (cont.) CPWR TOOLBOX RESEARCH AND TRAINING THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION TALK # Power Saw Safety - Wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields. - Do not wear jewelry, such as chains. - Do not cut unless you have a clear work area and solid footing. ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

[5] Toolbox Talk: Trench Safety

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Trench Safety When a trench caves in, the weight of the dirt can trap and kill workers. One cubic yard of dirt can weigh 3,000 pounds or more. Each year, trench collapses seriously injure or kill construction workers. In 2016, for example, 23 workers were killed in trench collapses. ## Jim, Nico, and Jose's Story Three laborers were working in an 8-foot-high wall trench. The walls were not shored-up. One side caved in, burying Nico and partially burying Jim. Jose managed to escape unharmed. Jim was pulled out. Nico suffocated and died. - How could this incident have been prevented? - Have you ever been in a trench cave-in? If so, what happened? : ## Remember This ➤ Never enter an unprotected or uninspected trench, even for a short task. A trained, competent person must inspect the trench and surroundings first. ➤Make sure you understand your employer's trench emergency program. ➤ Make sure rocks and dirt are kept at least 2 feet away from the top of the trench. - Never work alone in a trench and never without a lookout standing by. ➤ Make sure trench protection is provided by your employer. OSHA allows benching or sloping ground, shoring, or shielding with supports or trench boxes. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to promote trench safety? 1. 2. OSHA Regulation: 1926.651(k)(1) ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

[6] Toolbox Talk: Hammer Safety

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Hammer Safety The hammer is one of the most commonly used tools in construction. Although it's low-tech, it is a common cause of injuries and accidents. ## Kyle's Story Kyle, a carpenter, was working on the roof of a house. As he began hammering, suddenly the head of the hammer came loose and struck his co-worker. - What could Kyle have done to prevent this incident? - Do you know anyone who has been injured while using a hammer? If so, what happened? ## Remember This ➤ ALWAYS wear eye protection when using a hammer. ➤ Wear hearing protection if you are doing a lot of hammering. ➤ Check the hammer before use. If it has any defects, such as a loose head or cracked handle, do not use it. - Make sure the area around you is clear and that no one is standing behind you. ➤ Use the right type of hammer for the job. ○ Use a claw hammer for driving nails. The claw part is suitable for pulling nails out. - Use hammers with electrically insulated handles for work on or around exposed energized parts. ○ NEVER strike hardened steel surfaces with a steel hammer. ○ Use a soft metal hammer or one with a plastic, wood, or rawhide head when striking steel surfaces. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent injuries from improper hammer use? - 1. - 2. OSHA Standard: 1926.300 ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. CPWRO THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

[7] Toolbox Talk: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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## Remember This (cont.) Construction Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● # Repetitive Motion: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Learn more at Choose Hand Safety website. - Use tools designed for the job. - Wear gloves or use anti-vibration wraps to lessen shock and vibration. ✓ Rest your hands periodically. - Keep your wrists in a neutral position. GET INFORMATION CDC/NIOSH INFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-[redacted phone]) | TTY: 1-[redacted phone] | cdc.gov/info | cdc.gov/niosh CPWR: Contact [redacted phone] | [redacted email] | www.cpwr.com/toolbox-talks DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-131 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.[redacted postal code]/NIOSHPUB2022131 | August 2022

[8] Toolbox Talk: Electric Wiring Safety

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## Remember This (cont.) Construction Electrical Safety: Wiring Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR 【● Lock out DANGER I DO NOT OPERATE - De-energize electrical circuits before doing any type of work on them. - Use lockout devices to prevent a circuit from becoming live. - Clearly identify the disconnected power source and circuits. - Use an AC voltage tester to verify that the electrical power is off. GET INFORMATION CDC/NIOSH INFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-[redacted phone]) | TTY: 1-[redacted phone] | cdc.gov/info | cdc.gov/niosh CPWR: Contact [redacted phone] | [redacted email] | www.cpwr.com/toolbox-talks DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-142 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.[redacted postal code]/NIOSHPUB2022142 | August 2022

[9] Toolbox Talk: Equipment Maintenance

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## How can we stay safe today? (cont.) Equipment Safety: Construction Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR 【 Maintenance - Always inspect equipment before using it to make sure it is in safe working order and good repair. - Tell your supervisor if equipment needs to be maintained, cleaned, or repaired. - Use proper lockout/tagout procedures to control all hazardous energy sources before maintaining, cleaning, or repairing equipment. GET INFORMATION CDC/NIOSH INFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-[redacted phone]) | TTY: 1-[redacted phone] | cdc.gov/info | www.cdc.gov/niosh CPWR: Contact [redacted phone] | [redacted email] | www.cpwr.com/toolbox-talks DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-135 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.[redacted postal code]/NIOSHPUB2022135 | August 2022

[10] Toolbox Talk: Night Shift: Road Work

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Night Shift: Road Work Road work at night is dangerous. Both workers and motorists need enough light to move safely through work zones. Drivers on the roadway or operating equipment at night must be able to see ground workers to ensure their safety. ## Matt's Story Matt, a road construction worker, was finishing up his break one night around 2:00 a.m. He was walking across a poorly lit area to return to work when he was hit by a dump truck. The driver did not see Matt. Matt was taken to the hospital in serious condition. - How could this incident have been prevented? - Have you or someone you know ever had an injury related to night work? ## Remember This ➤ Your employer should give you high-visibility safety apparel (HVSA), which is made to return light (such as from headlights). - o Wear Type R (Roadway) around motorist traffic or in roadway work zones. - o Wear Type R Performance Class 3 at night for even better visibility. - Your employer is responsible for providing enough light so that workers can be seen by each other and oncoming traffic. Your work area should: - o Have a site-specific plan to match the light level to the activity in each work area of the site. - o Check field lighting regularly for brightness, and use larger traffic control devices, reflective materials, and lettering to improve safety. - o Set arrow panels at nighttime light levels; at night, lights on daytime settings are blinding. How can we stay safe tonight? What will we do at the worksite to prevent being injured while doing road work at night? 1. 2. OSHA Standard: 1926.56 ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibil…

[11] Toolbox Talk: Extension Cord Safety

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Source excerpt

## How can we stay safe today? (cont.) Electrical Safety: Construction Toolbox Talk Extension Cords NIOSH CPWR [● !! BC ! - - Inspect all extension cords before using for damage and missing grounding prongs. - Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to protect against any electrical fault. - Keep extension cords away from foot traffic to prevent tripping hazards and damage to the cords. GET INFORMATION CDC/NIOSH INFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-[redacted phone]) | TTY: 1-[redacted phone] | cdc.gov/info | cdc.gov/niosh CPWR: Contact [redacted phone] | [redacted email] | www.cpwr.com/toolbox-talks DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-143 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.[redacted postal code]/NIOSHPUB2022143 | August 2022

[12] Toolbox Talk: Electric Power

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## How can we stay safe today? (cont.) Construction Electrical Safety: Power Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Lock Out DANGER O DO NOT OPERATE - Always de-energize, lock out, and tag all electrical systems before working on electrical circuits. Always verify that electrical systems are de-energized, by testing with an AC voltage detector. GET INFORMATION CDC/NIOSH INFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-[redacted phone]) | TTY: 1-[redacted phone] | cdc.gov/info | cdc.gov/niosh CPWR: Contact [redacted phone] | [redacted email] | www.cpwr.com/toolbox-talks DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-141 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.[redacted postal code]/NIOSHPUB2022141 | August 2022

[13] Toolbox Talk: Hammer Safety

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# Hammer Safety (cont.) ## Remember This (cont.) CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Hammer Safety - Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. - Make sure the hammer's handle IS NOT loose or damaged. - Use the right type of hammer for the job. ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. CPWR [O THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

[14] Toolbox Talk: Night Shift: Road Work

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# Night Shift: Road Work (cont.) ## Remember This (cont.) CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Night Shift: Road Work ( - Make sure there is enough lighting so you can be seen by oncoming traffic and by your co-workers. - Set arrow panels at nighttime light levels. - Wear high-visibility safety apparel. ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. CPWRO THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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