Course Duration: 45 Minutes

Burnt Mountain LLC. Learning Management System (BMLMS)

Welcome to the Traffic Management Worker Safety Training. Working alongside moving vehicles in construction zones creates unique hazards that require special knowledge and attention. This training is designed to give you the tools, understanding, and confidence to safely manage traffic in and around active construction sites.

The purpose of this course is to ensure traffic management workers understand the risks of working in roadway construction zones, know how to apply approved traffic control measures, and can carry out their duties in accordance with OSHA regulations and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Construction zones on roads and highways are some of the most dangerous work environments in the country. Every year, thousands of workers and motorists are injured or killed in work zone crashes. Traffic management workers are the front line of defense in protecting construction workers, equipment operators, and the traveling public.

This training will cover proper traffic control methods, required personal protective equipment (PPE), communication, emergency procedures, and the roles and responsibilities of traffic control personnel. It will also emphasize the importance of situational awareness and coordination with the construction team.

Traffic Worker Regulatory Requirements Training

Traffic management activities in and around construction sites are controlled by strict federal, state, and local regulations. These laws are in place to protect workers and motorists by ensuring that all work zones are properly designed, marked, and maintained. Every traffic management worker must understand the regulations that apply to their job and follow them exactly as written.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart G – Signs, Signals, and Barricades

This federal OSHA regulation governs the use of all traffic control signs, signals, barricades, and flagging operations in construction and maintenance work zones. It requires that all signs and devices conform to the standards set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). OSHA’s primary concern under Subpart G is worker protection: ensuring that every construction zone provides a clearly marked, predictable, and properly separated path for motorists and workers alike.

Under Subpart G:

Employers must provide and maintain all traffic control devices needed to protect employees exposed to traffic hazards.
Only trained and authorized personnel may control or direct traffic.
Devices must be consistent with the MUTCD in shape, color, size, and placement.
Workers must wear high-visibility apparel that meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements.
Barricades and signs must be inspected daily and maintained in good condition.

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

The MUTCD is issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and serves as the national standard for all traffic control devices. It defines the colors, shapes, and placements of signs, cones, barricades, and pavement markings used to regulate, warn, and guide road users safely through temporary work zones.
Every state has adopted the MUTCD, sometimes with minor modifications. It is the responsibility of the traffic management supervisor to ensure that all devices and layouts conform to both federal and state editions of the MUTCD.

Key MUTCD principles include:

1. Standardization – All traffic control devices must be uniform so drivers recognize them immediately.
2. Clarity – Information must be simple, clear, and visible from a distance.
3. Conspicuity – Devices and workers must stand out from the background, especially at night or during poor weather.
4. Maintenance – Devices must be kept clean, legible, and properly positioned at all times.
5. Human Factors – Drivers need time to see, understand, and react; proper spacing and advance warning distances must always be maintained.

ANSI/ISEA 107 – High-Visibility Safety Apparel Standard

This standard specifies the performance requirements for high-visibility safety apparel and headwear. OSHA references this standard to ensure that workers in or near roadways are visible under all light and weather conditions.

• Class 2 garments are required for daytime traffic control operations where vehicles travel at speeds under 50 mph.
• Class 3 garments are required for nighttime or high-speed environments.
• Apparel must be clean, undamaged, and properly fastened to maintain reflectivity.

State and Local Regulations

Many states have their own Departments of Transportation (DOTs) or highway agencies that issue additional requirements for work zone safety. These may include specific taper lengths, lane-closure procedures, or certification programs for flaggers.
Traffic management workers must be familiar with and follow their state’s specific rules. In some cases, local jurisdictions—especially in cities and counties—may impose additional requirements for permits, detours, or police presence.

Training and Certification Requirements

In several states, flaggers and traffic control supervisors must hold valid training certifications approved by the DOT. These courses teach standard hand signals, flagging device usage, and procedures for emergency traffic control. Workers must keep their certification current and available for inspection at all times.

Employer Responsibilities Under OSHA

Employers are responsible for:

• Providing training for all employees exposed to roadway hazards.
• Supplying and maintaining proper PPE and traffic control devices.
• Implementing a written Traffic Control Plan (TCP) for every project.
• Ensuring that only qualified personnel modify or maintain work zone layouts.
• Conducting daily inspections of the work zone for compliance and safety.

Worker Responsibilities Under OSHA

Workers are required to:

• Follow all instructions and rules contained in the Traffic Control Plan.
• Wear assigned PPE and maintain its condition.
• Report any missing, damaged, or unclear traffic control devices immediately.
• Never alter or move devices without authorization from a competent person.
• Participate actively in safety meetings and refresh their training as required.

Understanding these regulations is critical. Non-compliance not only endangers lives but can also lead to citations, project shutdowns, and costly penalties. Every traffic management worker must remember that compliance is not optional—it is the law. By following OSHA, MUTCD, and state requirements, you help ensure that every person entering a work zone leaves it safely.