Working along roadways exposes public works crews to one of the highest risks in the field. Drivers may be distracted, weather can reduce visibility, and traffic often passes within a few feet of work areas. High visibility apparel, proper work zone setup, lighting, and situational awareness are essential to protecting workers from struck by incidents. This guide provides practical steps to keep crews visible and safe whenever work occurs near traffic.
Workers should be able to:
Explain why visibility is critical during roadside operations.
Identify proper high visibility apparel for different conditions.
Understand the basics of safe work zone setup.
Apply lighting techniques to improve visibility.
Ensure equipment is positioned and marked so drivers can see it.
Maintain situational awareness in high traffic environments.
Adjust visibility practices for weather and seasonal conditions.
ANSI Class 2 and Class 3 high visibility vests or shirts.
High visibility jackets, pants, and rain gear.
Reflective cones, drums, signage, and barricades.
Flashing beacons, arrow boards, and portable work lights.
Clip on LEDs or personal lighting devices.
Sample work zone layout diagrams.
Flagger paddles and high visibility garments.
"Good morning everyone. Today we will talk about staying visible while working along roadways. Traffic can be unpredictable, drivers may not see us, and weather can make things even worse. High visibility clothing, proper work zone setup, and good lighting are some of the simplest and most effective ways to keep each other safe. We will review what to wear, how to set up the work zone, and how to stay alert so we can all go home safely."
Struck by incidents from passing vehicles.
Low visibility due to darkness, fog, rain, or snow.
Distracted or impaired drivers failing to notice the work zone.
Poorly placed signage or cones leading to sudden driver reactions.
Equipment placed where it cannot be easily seen.
Reduced worker awareness due to distractions.
Wear ANSI Class 2 apparel for daytime and Class 3 apparel for night or low visibility.
Ensure clothing fits well, stays clean, and maintains reflective performance.
Set up advance warning signs at proper distances for road speed.
Keep cones, drums, and barricades clean and spaced correctly.
Use trained flaggers equipped with high visibility gear.
Position arrow boards or message boards when traffic must shift.
Use task lighting directed at the work area, not drivers.
Confirm equipment beacons, flashers, and reflective tape are in good condition.
Park vehicles in predictable, clearly marked locations.
Never turn your back to traffic when it can be avoided.
Use spotters when backing vehicles or moving equipment.
Avoid distractions such as phones or headphones.
Increase signage and lighting during poor weather or seasonal low light.
Slow traffic through the work zone during very low visibility conditions.
Show examples of Class 2 and Class 3 garments and explain when each is required.
Lay out a simple work zone with cones and signage to demonstrate proper placement.
Demonstrate correct use of portable lighting without aiming it toward oncoming traffic.
Review how to check vehicle beacons and reflective markings.
Walk the crew through a site evaluation to identify blind spots.
Have each worker identify which high visibility garment they should use for different scenarios.
Ask workers to help set up a mock work zone with proper spacing and sign placement.
Evaluate lighting placement by asking the crew to decide if adjustments are needed.
Review a staged piece of equipment and ask what could improve its visibility.
Stage a distraction scenario and discuss how situational awareness prevents accidents.
What visibility challenges have you personally experienced while working near traffic?
How do weather conditions affect your ability to see and be seen?
What are the most common mistakes workers make with high visibility apparel?
How can work zones be improved to give drivers more warning time?
Why is situational awareness just as important as high visibility clothing?
Insert agency specific policies regarding high visibility apparel, PPE requirements, work zone setup standards, lighting rules, flagger training, vehicle marking requirements, and any seasonal operations plans.
ANSI Class 2 vest or shirt for daytime work.
ANSI Class 3 vest, shirt, or jacket for night or low visibility conditions.
High visibility rain gear for stormy weather.
High visibility pants when working close to active lanes.
Clip on personal lighting where permitted.
Safety boots with reflective accents if available.
Visibility is one of the most important protections for roadside crews.
High visibility apparel must be worn, maintained, and replaced when faded.
Proper work zone setup gives drivers time to slow down and react.
Lighting should illuminate the crew, not blind motorists.
Equipment must be clearly marked and positioned so it is easy for drivers to see.
Situational awareness and communication keep workers safe even when drivers are not paying attention.
Weather and seasonal conditions require adjustments to visibility and work zone practices.
What class of high visibility apparel is required for night work?
a. Class 1
b. Class 2
c. Class 3
Why should cones and barricades be kept clean?
a. Clean equipment lasts longer
b. Dirt reduces visibility for drivers
c. It looks more professional
What should portable lights illuminate?
a. The crew and work area
b. Oncoming traffic
c. Only equipment
Name one way weather can affect visibility for roadside workers.
True or False: High visibility clothing alone is enough to keep workers safe.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.