This YouTube safety-training video (by Anthony LaFazia) explains common hazards encountered in road work zones and how to manage them. The provided transcript material covers ground-level falls and trip hazards (slips on wet/muddy/icy surfaces, tripping over debris, uneven ground), strains and sprains (noting they account for one third of lost workday injuries) with ergonomics and lifting guidance, electrical hazards (assume lines live until tested; de-energize and visibly ground; keep equipment ≥10 ft away; use spotter), and hazardous noise (yelling at people 3 ft away indicates hazardous levels; 15–20 years exposure can cause permanent hearing loss/tinnitus; wear hearing PPE and get annual hearing tests). The speaker transitions to environmental hazards at the end of this chunk.
Questions this video answers
One third of lost workday injuries.
At least 10 ft away.
If you have to yell at people only three feet away.
15 to 20 years.
Annually.
Chapters
In addition to the dangers posed by moving vehicles, you might also encounter these falling strains and sprains. Electrical and noise. You might be surprised to learn that falls in work zones don't usually come from up high, but at ground level. You could slip on a wet, muddy or icy surface or trip over materials or debris, uneven ground or a hole. To avoid falling, use footwear with ankle support and soles that grip. Clear your work area of tripping hazards, fill in or mark holes. Try to haul items that might block your view and walk on designated routes. Strains and sprains in work zones account for one third of lost workday injuries. They can occur when you work in awkward postures, handle heavy items, do repetitive work, or use vibrating tools or equipment to protect yourself. Try to store materials close by. Use equipment to lessen the strain of lifting. Lift from your legs and get help when something's too heavy. Try stretching before work, using knee and shoulder pads, taking breaks when possible, and rotating difficult with easy tasks. Electrical hazards can result in explosions such as severe burns or death from electrocution. You should only work around electricity after being properly trained. When near above ground utilities, make sure the hazards marked are protected with a shield line. Assume it's live until it's been tested. It should be de energized and visibly grounded. Otherwise, keep equipment at least 10ft away and use a spotter. There should be warning signs, and operators should proceed slowly along the marked route. In case of contact with electricity, get the line de energized. Stay put if you're in a vehicle and avoid touching metal. If you do exit, jump clear and slowly shuffle onward, keeping your feet together. If you find yourself yelling at people only three feet away, you're most definitely dealing with hazardous noise. Excess noise can lead to irreversible nerve damage. Worse, it could cause you to miss warnings and place you at serious risk. Exposure to 15 to 20 years can lead to permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. Constant ringing the best way to protect yourself is to wear the PPE provided by your employer for hearing protection. Follow instructions, and if it doesn't fit well or is uncomfortable, notify your employer. You should also get your hearing tested annually. If you thought you were done maneuvering this obstacle course of hazards, think again. We're about to enter the last level where we contend with environmental haz. It.
