Dangers in the Highway Work Area

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University focused on accidents within the work area that are not caused by intrusion from the highway traffic stream. The study found that the greatest danger to workers within the work zone is the dump-truck, accounting for more than half of the fatalities during the study period (article does not state study period). The cause of 56% of dump-truck backing deaths investigated by OHSA was found to be the lack of a working backup beeper. The study produced devices to improve driver communication by providing a warning signal for avoiding contact in the path of the backing truck. A device to prevent trucks from hitting overhead power lines with the bed of the truck in the up position was also produced. Finally, an instructional package was created for highway worker training on avoiding work zone dangers.