Use of Safety Management Systems in Managing Highway Maintenance Worker Safety

Safety and health programs are vital to the success of state departments of transportation (DOTs). While the safety of all DOT employees is paramount, maintenance and other field workers are exposed to unique hazards that demand a higher level of management than traditional office-based positions.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program’s NCHRP Synthesis 591: Use of Safety Management Systems in Managing Highway Maintenance Worker Safety documents the state of the practice of safety management systems (SMSs) by DOTs, including various system capabilities and related policies and procedures.