WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, HIRING BEST PRACTICES, CAREER ADVICE.
The Dangers of Flagging; What Flaggers Must Know to Stay Safe
Posted on 07/20 by Erin Helms
Flaggers are essential for the protection of workers and motorists. However, flagging comes with significant risks, so workers must protect themselves and others in the work zone. Flaggers must understand the traffic control plan, be aware of their surroundings, communicate effectively, and follow established protocols to stay safe. Here are tips to minimize risks and keep flaggers safe from hazards.
Wear High Visibility Clothing
Flaggers are responsible for directing traffic in a construction zone while ensuring the safety of both workers and drivers. Flaggers must be highly visible to everyone in the area to be effective. As a flagger, you should wear clothing that is brightly colored and contains reflective material. This material makes it easier to spot you, even in poor visibility conditions.
Understand the Traffic Control Plan
You must understand the traffic control plan for the work zone. This understanding includes the location of the work zone, the type of work, and the specific traffic control measures in place. Understanding this information helps you direct traffic effectively while ensuring the safety of all involved.
Know the Surrounding Area
When flagging, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times. You must pay attention to the traffic, the workers, and the equipment in the area. Knowledge of the surrounding area helps you identify potential hazards and take action to mitigate them. It enables you to direct traffic safely and effectively.
Communicate With Clarity
Effective communication is crucial for safe flagging. You must communicate clearly and effectively with drivers, workers, and other flaggers to ensure everyone knows what is happening. Clear communication involves using hand signals and verbal commands which are easy to understand and follow.
Always Follow Protocols
It is essential to follow established protocols when flagging. Protocols vary according to the work zone and the type of work. These protocols will include guidelines for how to direct traffic, how to communicate with drivers and workers, and how to respond to emergencies.
Be Aware of the Weather
Weather can have a tremendous influence on the safety of a work zone. You must know the weather conditions, such as rain, snow or high winds and adjust your flagging accordingly.
Know When to Stop the Traffic
Knowing when to stop traffic is a crucial part of flagging. Traffic must stop when construction workers are on the road or when a car is disabled or stopped, posing a significant safety concern.
Be Ready for Emergencies
While flagging, you might need to respond to an emergency. Emergencies might include a vehicle accident, a medical emergency or a fire. It is vital to have a basic understanding of first aid, fire safety and emergency response procedures.
Remain Alert and Focused
Flaggers must be focused. Staying alert means avoiding distractions and paying attention to surroundings at all times. This awareness will help you identify potential hazards and take action to mitigate them. LaborMAX can help you find work as a flagger with companies nationwide!
Tagged: #FlaggingJobs #FlaggingJobSafety #WorkplaceSafetyResources #BostonFlaggingJobs
Browse Available Jobs
Are you looking for work? LaborMAX can find you the right job.
SEARCH JOBS NOWCategories
What's Happening
How to Stand Out as a Seasonal Worker: Tips for Success
Congratulations, you’ve made the smart decision to take a temporary seasonal job! Your bank account will thank you for the extra deposits from now through the end of the year, or whenever the job ends. But if you’re between full-time jobs, or if you’re thinking about changing careers, a temporary job, even if it’s a seasonal one, can be the starting point of a brand new career. You’re giving yourself the opportunity to meet people who might be able to help you advance your career in the future or, if you’re fortunate enough, you might be making an excellent case for your temporary manager to want to hire you full-time at the end of the season. It’s in your best interest to make a great impression during your seasonal job and stand out from people who are just there for the extra cash. Here’s how to stand out as a seasonal employee and set yourself up for success in the future.
Read more >>Why Temporary Event Staffing Is the Key to a Successful Event
If you’re planning a big event, you probably already know the sheer amount of work that is involved. From weddings to corporate getaways, every detail must be carefully planned, organized, and executed. This can involve a large team of people, possibly many more than you have on your permanent team. Event staffing companies can provide the temporary labor you need to ensure that every event goes off without a hitch.
Read more >>Vehicle and Equipment Safety for Colder Seasons
We’re so close to needing to put away all of our summer gear in exchange for the boots, gloves, hats and heavy coats required for working in the cold and snow of winter. Whether winter for you means temperatures dropping below 40 degrees or facing the potential of blizzards and ice storms, it’s important to keep safety top of mind as the seasons change — especially when heavy equipment is involved, or if you might need to drive on icy roads. Here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind for the cold months ahead.
Read more >>