Construction Zone Worker Hit by Gravel Truck in Nebraska

A 57-year-old construction superintendent was killed when he was struck by a gravel truck. The victim was filling concrete expansion cracks with tar in the southbound lane of two-lane concrete state highway. A gravel truck approaching from the north (same lane) came upon the construction zone, saw the flag person ahead and hit his brakes hard, but was unable to stop. The truck initially skidded straight towards the victim, but at the last few seconds started to jackknife. The victim attempted to escape by running across the northbound lane, but was caught between the gravel truck and the tar equipment. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Nebraska Department of Labor Investigator concluded that to prevent future similar occurrences:
Employers should ensure that adequate warning signs are placed prior to the construction site.
When working in the middle of a highway while allowing traffic on both sides, flaggers should be used at both ends of the construction zone.
Employers should consider lowering the work site speed limit below that of the regular construction zone.
Employers may consider, where the work site is constantly changing, to have a vehicle following the workers with directional arrows, flashing lights and/or beacons to alert oncoming traffic and serve as a personnel barrier.