“The Flagger Moms of Orange Cone Hell”

Laborers’ International Union Local 169, Reno, NV initiated “The Flagger Moms of Orange Cone Hell,” an innovative public relations campaign to educate the public about the hazards of road construction zones. Dan Rusnak, a member of the laborers union, initiated the program after one of his members, a construction flagger and mother, was killed in a 1993 construction zone accident in Reno. The campaign included newspaper editorials, op-eds, bumper stickers and an educational website. It also featured compelling public service announcements by “flagger moms” telling in their own words about the about the dangers, safety and family issues associated with road construction sites. The program has elevated awareness to new levels in the northern part of Nevada and there have been no union flagger fatalities since the program was initiated in 1994.