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.

Communication and Coordination

Effective communication is one of the most important safety controls in any work zone. Every person involved in traffic management—flaggers, spotters, operators, supervisors, and law enforcement—must communicate clearly, accurately, and consistently. Miscommunication can quickly lead to confusion, unsafe movements, and serious accidents.

A well-coordinated team ensures that every vehicle, piece of equipment, and worker moves safely and efficiently within the controlled zone. This section explains how to establish reliable communication systems and maintain situational awareness through every phase of work.

The Purpose of Communication

The purpose of communication in traffic management is to:

1. Coordinate movements between workers, equipment, and vehicles.
2. Keep all personnel informed about changes to the Traffic Control Plan (TCP) or work sequence.
3. Alert others immediately when hazards arise.
4. Support smooth, safe, and predictable traffic flow.
5. Ensure a unified, professional response to emergencies.

When communication breaks down, even a single missed message can cause vehicles to enter restricted zones or workers to move into danger. Therefore, communication must always be treated as a primary safety system and not an afterthought.

Establishing Communication Systems

Before any work begins, the traffic management team must agree on how they will communicate throughout the shift.

Common systems include:

• Two-Way Radios: The most common and reliable method for long-distance communication between flaggers, supervisors, and operators.
• Hand Signals: Used when radios are unavailable, malfunctioning, or in noisy environments.
• Whistles or Horns: Short, specific sound signals used for quick alerts or to gain attention.
• Pre-Arranged Cues: Agreed-upon gestures, words, or radio phrases to indicate stop, proceed, or emergency.

Every person in the work zone must know the communication methods and meaning of all signals before work begins.

Radio Communication Procedures

Two-way radios are vital tools for coordination between team members. However, they must be used professionally and consistently.

Key practices include:

• Use assigned radio channels for traffic control only—no casual conversation or unrelated chatter.
• Perform a radio check at the start of each shift to confirm all units are working.
• Keep messages short and clear. Example: “South flagger to north flagger—traffic clear. Release northbound.”
• Repeat critical information to confirm understanding.
• Use identifiers such as “Flagger One,” “Supervisor,” or “Loader Operator” to avoid confusion.
• Report unsafe drivers, emergencies, or unexpected traffic patterns immediately.
• Never leave a radio unattended or turn it off during active operations.

If radios fail or batteries die, flaggers and spotters must immediately switch to hand signals or backup communication methods until radios are restored.

Hand Signals and Visual Communication

Hand signals are critical when noise or distance prevents verbal communication. Every worker must know and use standardized hand signals that are simple, visible, and consistent.

Examples include:

• Stop: Arm extended upward with palm facing out toward the receiver.
  Proceed: Arm extended horizontally, palm facing up, moving in a slow “come forward” motion.
• Back Up: Arm extended with palm facing inward, moving in a “toward body” motion.
• Emergency Stop: Rapid arm waving and loud vocal command “STOP!”

When using hand signals, workers should:

• Stand in a visible, well-lit position.
• Make eye contact with the person they are signaling.
• Use bright gloves or reflective sleeves for better visibility.
• Never assume a signal has been understood—wait for acknowledgment before proceeding.

Communication Between Flaggers

Coordination between flaggers at opposite ends of a lane closure or alternating one-lane traffic area is essential. They must maintain constant awareness of each other’s status.

Rules for coordination:

• Flaggers must maintain direct line of sight or clear radio contact.
• One flagger must not release traffic until confirming that the opposing direction is fully stopped.
• Communicate every vehicle release using the radio or hand cue (e.g., “Last car—five through”).
• Always confirm that the roadway is clear before switching directions.
• In curved or obstructed areas, an intermediate flagger or spotter may be needed to maintain visibility and coordination.

If communication is lost between flaggers for any reason, both must immediately stop traffic until contact is re-established.

Coordination with Equipment Operators
Traffic management workers must maintain communication with construction equipment operators at all times, especially when equipment enters or exits the work area. Heavy machinery has large blind spots, and operators often cannot see flaggers or nearby personnel.

To coordinate safely:

• Make eye contact with the operator before signaling movement.
• Use hand signals or radios to direct trucks, loaders, and other machinery.
• Stay clear of equipment swing radius and travel paths.
• Never walk behind or between operating equipment.
• Use spotters when equipment backs into or crosses a live traffic lane.
• Stop all vehicle traffic before allowing equipment to cross.

Good communication prevents accidents and allows work to proceed smoothly without confusion or delay.

Coordination with Supervisors and Law Enforcement

Supervisors and law enforcement officers are responsible for overall safety and compliance. They must be kept informed of all conditions that could affect traffic flow or worker safety.

Traffic management workers should promptly report:

• Unsafe or aggressive drivers.
• Traffic backups or congestion that exceed the plan’s limits.
• Equipment malfunctions or missing devices.
• Weather changes that reduce visibility.
• Any incident or near-miss involving vehicles or workers.

Law enforcement may be assigned to assist in high-traffic areas. Workers must follow their direction at all times and maintain professional communication. Law enforcement officers typically control driver interactions, while traffic management workers focus on maintaining the work zone layout.

Maintaining Situational Awareness
Good communication depends on strong situational awareness. Every worker must stay alert to:

• Changes in vehicle behavior or driver reactions.
• Shifting traffic volumes and speeds.
• Noise or lighting conditions that affect communication.
• The movements of coworkers and equipment nearby.

When something changes, communicate it immediately—never assume others have noticed. A short message or radio call can prevent an accident.

Emergency Communication Procedures

When emergencies occur, communication becomes the most important tool on site.
All personnel must know the emergency response plan and the procedures for notifying emergency services.

If an emergency occurs:

• Move to a safe location.
• Call out clearly: “Emergency—Stop all traffic!”
• Notify all flaggers and supervisors by radio.
• Contact emergency services (911) and provide clear location details, including mile markers or intersections.
• Direct traffic as instructed by law enforcement once emergency vehicles arrive.
• Do not resume work until cleared by the competent person or supervisor.

All radio and verbal communication during emergencies must be calm, factual, and brief. Panic or unclear messages can make the situation worse.

Continuous Coordination

Effective communication is ongoing—it does not end once traffic starts moving. Teams must:

• Conduct brief radio checks throughout the shift.
• Update each other on traffic conditions and delays.
• Reconfirm coordination after lunch breaks, equipment moves, or weather changes.
• Report any communication failure immediately to the supervisor.

At the end of each shift, the team should review communication effectiveness and note any improvements for the next operation.

Strong communication and coordination are the backbone of traffic management safety. When every worker speaks the same language—whether through radios, signals, or shared understanding—the entire team operates as a single, well-organized system. Clear communication prevents confusion, protects lives, and ensures every vehicle and worker completes the day safely.