Fatal Roadside Work Accidents are on the Rise. Here’s What You Need to Know.
Traffic accidents occur on US roads at an alarming rate and sometimes roadside workers are killed. Safety + Health Magazine reports that roadside construction worker deaths have increased by 43 percent from 2013-2016. Workers who direct traffic or operate as crossing guards are at the highest risk of being struck and killed by cars.
Roadside worker deaths are often caused by:
- Drivers speeding in work zones
- Distracted driving
- Poor visibility
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Hazardous road or weather conditions
A Massachusetts roadside worker’s death raises safety concerns
The death of a Massachusetts National Grid worker who was struck by an SUV while on the job has raised concerns among safety advocates, according to the Boston Herald.
Spencer police confirmed that the man succumbed to injuries that he sustained on July 31. The man was marking underground piping for an upcoming construction project in the eastbound lane on Main Street. An investigation into the accident was conducted by police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“We know that working around vehicles is very dangerous,” said Jodi Sugerman-Brozan, executive director of the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH). ” We implore all employers to take the time to create as safe a worksite as they possibly can to protect the lives of those who work for them.”
According to MassCOSH, there was no work zone set up at the time the worker was fatally struck. In addition, there were no traffic cones or signs set up and no police presence.
The man was the third worker killed this year by a moving vehicle, but a total of six workers have died throughout Massachusetts in 2019 in transportation-related incidents. In 2018, a total of 17 workers died, which accounted for 29 percent of all statewide worker fatalities.
Suggestions for safer roadside worksites
In order to ensure a safe roadside worksite, supervisors are urged to follow the guidelines laid out in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, published by the Federal Highway Administration.
Rather than setting up signs on roadside worksites, supervisors should utilize colored or marked vehicles. These vehicles should be equipped with bright rotating or flashing lights that are easily visible to drivers. In addition, vehicles should include highly-visible signs and arrow panels.
If you’re a roadside worker who was hurt on the job, you are within your rights to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. The legal team at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl can help guide you through this complex process and negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement. Contact us today to get started.