Safety Coach
Work Zone Safety
As construction season begins and National Work Zone Awareness Week draws near (April 21-25), let’s remind drivers to prioritize safety. Work zones can be unpredictable, with narrow lanes, changing traffic patterns and vehicles making sudden stops. By staying alert and focused, motorists can help protect themselves, road workers and other drivers.
Distracted Driving is a Major Risk Factor in Work Zones
Drivers who are not focused solely on the road may not be able to react to the following work zone circumstances quickly enough to avoid a crash:
- Rapidly changing conditions: Sudden lane shifts, reduced speed limits and altered traffic patterns
- Unexpected stops: Vehicles merging or braking without warning
- Rear-end collisions: The most common type of work zone crashes – especially at temporary lane closures
How Distracted Driving Affects Work Zones
A moment of inattention can have serious consequences:
- Risks for workers: Road construction crews are extremely vulnerable when drivers aren’t paying attention
- Risks for drivers and pedestrians: Losing focus, even briefly, can lead to collisions or dangerous situations for other drivers and the most vulnerable road users
Tips to Stay Safe in Work Zones
To reduce the risk of a crash, follow these rules:
- Avoid distractions: Put away your phone, avoid eating or drinking and stay focused
- Reduce speed: Always slow down when approaching a work zone
- Stay aware of road workers: Watch for crews working near traffic
- Keep a safe distance: Maintain extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you
- Plan ahead: Check your route before leaving, allow extra time for potential construction delays, use detours when available and pay close attention to signs
Get Free Resources
The Texas Department of Transportation offers five essential safety tips for navigating work zones as part of its “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” work zone safety campaign. Share those tips in communications with your employees; get TxDOT safety posters and video PSAs to promote safe driving, too.
- Help us create safer roads: Get free resources to promote distraction-free driving from National Safety Council and the Our Driving Concern team
- Participate: Learn about Go Orange Day, and explore other ways you can participate in National Work Zone Awareness Week
Work zones require extra caution, but with safe driving habits, motorists can help prevent crashes and ensure everyone gets home safely.
Tailgate Talk
Stress Check
World Health Day, observed every year on April 7, is a reminder of the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. For employers, it’s an opportunity to focus on a critical but often overlooked aspect of workplace safety: the link between stress and impairment.
The Hidden Risk of Stress-impaired Workers
Stress is a health concern – and it’s a safety issue. When employees experience high levels of stress, their ability to focus, make decisions and respond quickly diminishes. This can lead to decreased productivity, increased workplace incidents and impaired driving risks for employees who operate vehicles as part of their job.
According to research, chronic stress can have similar effects on cognitive function as fatigue or substance use. In high-risk industries, this could mean the difference between a safe workday and a serious incident.
Employers Can Take Action
Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health is a key step in reducing stress-related impairment.
Implement Workplace Impairment Training: A comprehensive approach to safety must address all forms of impairment, including stress-related impairment. Our Workplace Impairment Training program equips supervisors and safety leaders with tools to recognize impairment, intervene appropriately and support employees in need. Learn more about the training or contact us to schedule a session at your location.
Here are some additional ways safety leaders can make a difference:
- Acknowledge the impact of stress: Open conversations about stress and its effects can help reduce stigma and encourage employees to seek support
- Offer mental health resources: Providing access to employee assistance programs and stress management resources can improve overall wellbeing
- Stay informed: Get facts from the National Safety Council to support your impairment-related education and training efforts
- Encourage work-life balance: Promoting flexible schedules, regular breaks and wellness initiatives can help employees manage stress more effectively
Go the Distance
Commit to fostering a safer, healthier workplace. Prioritizing mental wellbeing not only enhances employee morale but also strengthens workplace safety by reducing the risk of incidents on and off the job.