CDC Report Targets Preventing Highway Work Zone Injuries, Deaths

Ways to build on current safeguards and better protect workers in highway and street work zones from serious injury and death are recommended in a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Each year, nearly 100 workers are killed and more than 20,000 are injured in highway and street construction, according to the report, “Building Safer Highway Work Zones: Measures to Prevent Worker Injuries from Vehicles and Equipment.” Traditionally, job safety efforts in the industry have focused mostly on reducing the risk of workers being struck unintentionally by passing motorists.