Transportation-related incidents were the leading cause of death for workers in Indiana in 2012.
In fact, transportation-related fatalities are the most common cause of death for workers across the country. Nationally, three people are killed every day in a work zone. The Indiana Department of Labor is dedicated to advancing the health, safety and prosperity of Hoosiers in the workplace; ensuring the members of our dedicated workforce arrive home safely every day is of paramount importance.
The construction season has begun, and that means Hoosier construction workers are repairing and rebuilding our roadways across the state. Keeping those workers safe requires everyone, the traveling public and the construction workers, to work together and focus on everyone's safety.
Motorists and Work Zone Safety
- Work zone fatalities are often not members of a construction crew. The person who crashes his or her vehicle while traveling through the work zone is often the one killed. Driving safely in work zones protects the workers and YOU!
- Nationally, there are approximately 40,000 crashes in work zones every year.
- Three major reasons for work zone crashes are following too closely, speeding and inattentive driving.
- Pay attention to the reduced speed limit in work zones. Did you know the difference between driving 65 MPH and 45 MPH through a two-mile work zone is only a minute? Don't save a minute and ruin your life or the life of another!
- The most common crash in a highway work zone is a rear-end collision.
- Areas where traffic is entering or leaving the work zone are the most dangerous. Drivers are jockeying for position - be on the look out!
Work Zone Worker Safety
- Safety is everyone's responsibility. Construction companies and employees must pay special attention to worker safety and health at all times.
- Both the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) are performing unannounced work zone visits this year to inspect for employee safety and appropriate traffic control measures.
- Appropriate traffic control must be implemented at all worksites. Pay attention to how the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requires signage and worksite layout when setting up your work zone.
- Insist on having the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and wear it. Reflectivity is key to being seen, especially in nighttime construction.
The articles below have been developed by Indiana Department of Labor and may be freely used in internal newsletters and other publications.
Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
The public service announcements (PSAs) have been developed by the Indiana Department of Labor and the Indiana Department of Transportation and may be used to increase awareness of transportation and work zone safety. Please feel free to use these resources to further enhance and promote the safety of everyone!