Utility Work Zone Safety Guidelines and Training: Gap Study and Needs Assessment

Because utility work zones are short in duration and often unplanned, there are a different set of risks associated with them that differ from those risks associated with normal highway construction work zones. These risks are often heightened when various utility companies and contractors interpret the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices in different ways. This creates non-uniformity and can result in unsafe work zone practices. These guidelines try to eliminate non-uniformity in utility work zone safety procedures in order to provide a safe environment to workers and motorists.