Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Traffic Management Workers
Working near live traffic exposes employees to serious hazards, including struck-by incidents, flying debris, noise, and weather extremes. The single most important line of defense—aside from proper layout and communication—is personal protective equipment (PPE). Each item of PPE has a specific purpose: to make the worker visible, protected, and able to react safely in an unpredictable environment.
Federal law requires employers to provide appropriate PPE at no cost to workers, ensure its proper use, and train employees on how to maintain and replace it. Workers are responsible for wearing it consistently, inspecting it before each use, and reporting any damage or failure immediately.
High-Visibility Apparel
High-visibility clothing allows motorists and equipment operators to recognize workers early enough to react safely. Visibility is the most critical factor in preventing struck-by incidents.
Requirements and Standards:
- All garments must meet the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard for high-visibility safety apparel.
- Class 2 garments are required for daytime work on roads where traffic exceeds 25 mph.
- Class 3 garments are required for nighttime operations or where speeds exceed 50 mph.
- Apparel must include both fluorescent background material and retroreflective striping visible from 360 degrees.
Use and Care:
- Vests must be fastened securely at all times. Open or unzipped vests can reduce visibility and catch in equipment.
- Garments must be kept clean. Dirt, grease, and fading reduce reflective quality.
- Replace any vest or jacket that is torn, faded, or no longer reflective.
- When rain gear or cold-weather coats are worn, they must also meet ANSI visibility standards.
- During night work, add reflective arm or leg bands if required by site procedures to increase movement recognition.
Hard Hats
Head protection prevents serious injury from falling tools, debris, or contact with equipment.
Key Points:
- Hard hats must meet ANSI Z89.1 Type I or Type II standards.
- Bright or fluorescent colors are recommended to improve visibility.
- Reflective stickers or bands can be added if they do not cover manufacturer markings or alter integrity.
- Inspect before every shift for cracks, dents, or brittle material. Replace any hard hat exposed to impact or extreme heat.
- Adjust the suspension system for a snug fit and keep the chin strap secured in windy conditions.
- Never paint, drill, or apply unapproved labels to hard hats—these can weaken the shell or void certification.
Eye and Face Protection
Dust, rocks, and debris generated by construction activity or moving traffic can cause serious eye injuries.
Minimum Protection:
- Safety glasses with side shields meeting ANSI Z87.1.
- Use face shields in addition to glasses when grinding, cutting, or near flying debris.
Tinted or polarized lenses may be used in bright sunlight, but must still meet
- ANSI requirements.
- Clean lenses frequently with non-abrasive wipes to prevent glare and maintain clear vision.
Workers should carry an extra pair of safety glasses in case of damage or contamination from dust or rain.
Hand Protection
Hands are frequently exposed to sharp edges, heat, and pinch hazards.
- Use gloves appropriate for the task—high-visibility or reflective gloves for directing traffic, leather or cut-resistant gloves for handling cones, barrels, or barricades.
- Ensure gloves fit properly; loose gloves can reduce grip or snag on equipment.
- Replace gloves when torn, wet, or contaminated with oil or chemicals.
When signaling traffic, bright or reflective gloves help drivers see hand motions clearly.
Foot Protection
Proper footwear protects against crushing, puncture, and slip hazards.
- Safety-toe boots (steel or composite) meeting ASTM F2413 are required.
- Soles should be oil- and slip-resistant to provide traction on asphalt, gravel, and wet surfaces.
- Keep boots clean and dry. Mud or oil buildup reduces traction and increases slip risk.
- Inspect soles regularly for wear or separation and replace as needed.
No sandals, sneakers, or open-toe footwear are permitted in or near the work zone.
Hearing Protection
Traffic noise, heavy equipment, and pneumatic tools can easily exceed safe limits. Prolonged exposure can lead to hearing loss.
- Use disposable earplugs or reusable earmuffs whenever noise levels exceed 85 decibels.
- Keep hearing protection clean and replace plugs after each use.
- Ensure earmuffs form a full seal over the ears—no gaps caused by glasses or hair.
Supervisors should monitor noise levels and remind workers when protection is required.
Respiratory Protection (When Required)
Although not always needed in open-air traffic environments, certain conditions—such as concrete cutting, asphalt fumes, or nearby exhaust—may require respiratory protection.
- Only use respirators approved by NIOSH for the specific contaminant.
- Workers must receive separate respirator training and fit testing before use.
- Do not share respirators or use them without proper cleaning and inspection.
Lighting and Supplemental Visibility Equipment
At night or during poor visibility, additional lighting may be required.
- Flashlights with orange or red wands should be used by flaggers to signal traffic.
- Portable light towers must be positioned so they illuminate the work and flagger stations without creating glare for drivers.
- Reflective cones, barricade lights, and vehicle strobes should all function correctly before work begins.
Workers should stand within well-lit areas and never rely on vehicle headlights alone for visibility.
Inspection and Maintenance of PPE
Before every shift, workers must conduct a personal PPE inspection. The following checklist should be used:
- Is my high-visibility clothing clean, bright, and intact?
- Is my hard hat in good condition with no cracks or dents?
- Are my safety glasses or face shield clean and unscratched?
- Are gloves, boots, and hearing protection present and functional?
- Is all lighting and reflective gear operational?
Any item that fails inspection must be replaced immediately. Supervisors must ensure adequate spare PPE is available at all times.
Proper Storage
- Store PPE in clean, dry areas away from sunlight or chemicals.
- Hang vests and jackets to prevent wrinkles that reduce reflectivity.
- Keep gloves and earplugs in sealed containers to prevent contamination.
- Do not leave PPE in hot vehicles for extended periods, as heat can degrade materials.
Worker Responsibility
Traffic management workers are responsible for wearing PPE correctly and consistently from the moment they enter the work zone until the shift ends. Failure to wear required protection can lead to disciplinary action, OSHA citations, and serious injury. Each worker must:
- Put on all PPE before entering active areas.
- Keep gear properly fastened and adjusted.
- Replace or report damaged PPE immediately.
- Never remove high-visibility garments while in or near traffic lanes.
A strong safety culture begins with personal accountability. Every worker’s attention to PPE standards helps ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.