| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Receive repair request and gather information | Incomplete details, misunderstanding of signal type or failure | Confirm signal location, type of failure, traffic volume, and whether police or utility notification is needed |
| Assess roadway and intersection layout | High traffic speeds, limited sight distance, complex intersection geometry | Review approach routes, turning lanes, pedestrian crossings, and lighting conditions; identify safest positioning for work vehicles |
| Inspect traffic control devices | Faded signs, damaged cones, malfunctioning arrow board | Ensure all signs, cones, channelizers, and portable signals are in good condition; replace defective devices |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility to motorists, risk of struck by collision | Wear Class 2 or Class 3 high visibility vest or jacket, hard hat, gloves, and safety glasses before entering intersection |
| Position work vehicles | Motorists colliding with work truck, poor visibility, insufficient buffer | Park truck in protective angle; activate beacons; deploy shadow vehicle or crash attenuator if available; avoid blocking pedestrian paths |
| Set up advance warning signs | Motorists unaware of repair activity, sudden lane shifts | Place Road Work Ahead, Lane Closed, or Signal Work Ahead signs at appropriate distances; ensure signs are retroreflective and properly oriented |
| Establish lane or shoulder closure | Crew exposed in live lane, confused motorists | Use cones or channelizers to create safe workspace; adjust taper length according to MUTCD; maintain clear buffer space |
| Coordinate with police or utility crews if needed | Conflicting instructions, unsafe traffic movements | Communicate clearly with other agencies; establish single point of contact for scene coordination |
| Begin work zone lighting if at night or low visibility | Motorists blinded by misaligned lights, shadows hiding workers | Aim portable lights downward to illuminate work area; avoid shining lights directly into traffic; verify worker visibility |
| Maintain safe access to signal cabinet or pole | Tripping hazards, stepping into live lane, equipment rollback | Keep clear walkway for workers; prevent tools and cables from entering traffic lanes; ensure bucket trucks are stabilized before elevation |
| Monitor traffic and pedestrian flow | Pedestrians entering work zone, vehicles ignoring cones | Assign lookout or traffic control supervisor; adjust devices as needed; use portable pedestrian detours if required |
| Remove temporary controls after work | Workers exposed to traffic during takedown | Remove devices in reverse order; keep work vehicles in protective position until last cone is retrieved; maintain lookout throughout |
Hard hat
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when working near traffic or equipment
Long pants and long sleeves
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Work Zone & Traffic Control Safety
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Receive repair request and gather information | Incomplete details, misunderstanding of signal type or failure | Confirm signal location, type of failure, traffic volume, and whether police or utility notification is needed |
| Assess roadway and intersection layout | High traffic speeds, limited sight distance, complex intersection geometry | Review approach routes, turning lanes, pedestrian crossings, and lighting conditions; identify safest positioning for work vehicles |
| Inspect traffic control devices | Faded signs, damaged cones, malfunctioning arrow board | Ensure all signs, cones, channelizers, and portable signals are in good condition; replace defective devices |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility to motorists, risk of struck by collision | Wear Class 2 or Class 3 high visibility vest or jacket, hard hat, gloves, and safety glasses before entering intersection |
| Position work vehicles | Motorists colliding with work truck, poor visibility, insufficient buffer | Park truck in protective angle; activate beacons; deploy shadow vehicle or crash attenuator if available; avoid blocking pedestrian paths |
| Set up advance warning signs | Motorists unaware of repair activity, sudden lane shifts | Place Road Work Ahead, Lane Closed, or Signal Work Ahead signs at appropriate distances; ensure signs are retroreflective and properly oriented |
| Establish lane or shoulder closure | Crew exposed in live lane, confused motorists | Use cones or channelizers to create safe workspace; adjust taper length according to MUTCD; maintain clear buffer space |
| Coordinate with police or utility crews if needed | Conflicting instructions, unsafe traffic movements | Communicate clearly with other agencies; establish single point of contact for scene coordination |
| Begin work zone lighting if at night or low visibility | Motorists blinded by misaligned lights, shadows hiding workers | Aim portable lights downward to illuminate work area; avoid shining lights directly into traffic; verify worker visibility |
| Maintain safe access to signal cabinet or pole | Tripping hazards, stepping into live lane, equipment rollback | Keep clear walkway for workers; prevent tools and cables from entering traffic lanes; ensure bucket trucks are stabilized before elevation |
| Monitor traffic and pedestrian flow | Pedestrians entering work zone, vehicles ignoring cones | Assign lookout or traffic control supervisor; adjust devices as needed; use portable pedestrian detours if required |
| Remove temporary controls after work | Workers exposed to traffic during takedown | Remove devices in reverse order; keep work vehicles in protective position until last cone is retrieved; maintain lookout throughout |
Hard hat
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when working near traffic or equipment
Long pants and long sleeves