16 Aug Flagger Safety

Flagger Safety

Flaggers protect workers, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians traveling through or around temporary traffic-control zones. Because flaggers work close to moving traffic, they must remain alert and follow the approved traffic-control plan and established flagging procedures at all times.

Training and Qualifications

Only employees who have received the required flagger training and demonstrated their ability to perform flagging duties should be assigned as flaggers.

Flaggers should understand:

• The approved traffic-control plan and work-zone layout.
• Proper use of STOP/SLOW paddles and other authorized signaling devices.
• Procedures for stopping, slowing, and releasing traffic.
• Appropriate positioning and escape routes.
• Communication procedures between flaggers and other workers.
• Work-zone hazards involving motorists, pedestrians, and construction equipment.
• Procedures for responding to emergencies and errant vehicles.

State or local requirements may require additional training or certification.

High-Visibility Clothing and PPE

Flaggers must wear high-visibility safety apparel appropriate for the conditions and meeting applicable MUTCD requirements.

High-visibility apparel should:

• Make the flagger readily visible to approaching traffic.
• Be maintained in clean, serviceable condition.
• Provide appropriate visibility during daytime, nighttime, and low-light operations.
• Include retroreflective material when required for nighttime operations.

Required PPE may also include a hard hat, safety footwear, eye protection, gloves, and other equipment appropriate for the worksite hazards.

Flagger Station

The flagger station should provide approaching road users enough distance to recognize the flagger and safely stop before entering the work area.

When selecting a flagger station:

• Consider traffic speed, stopping distance, roadway alignment, hills, curves, weather, and visibility.
• Stand where you are clearly visible to approaching traffic.
• Do not stand where you could be struck by construction equipment or backing vehicles.
• Identify an escape route before flagging begins and keep it clear.
• Never stand directly in the path of approaching traffic.
• Avoid standing in shadows, behind equipment, or where signs or other objects obstruct motorists’ view.
• Provide adequate illumination for flagger stations during nighttime operations.

Advance warning signs and traffic-control devices should be installed according to the approved traffic-control plan and applicable MUTCD requirements.

STOP/SLOW Paddle

The STOP/SLOW paddle is the preferred hand-signaling device for controlling traffic through temporary traffic-control zones.

To Stop Traffic

The flagger should:

1. Face approaching traffic from the designated flagger position.
2. Hold the STOP face of the paddle toward approaching traffic in a stationary position.
3. Extend the paddle away from the body so it is clearly visible.
4. Raise the free hand with the palm facing approaching traffic when appropriate.
5. Remain alert and observe approaching vehicles until they have safely stopped.

Do not assume a driver has seen you simply because you are displaying the STOP paddle.

To Release Stopped Traffic

When it is safe for traffic to proceed:

1. Confirm that the work zone is ready to receive traffic.
2. Remain in the designated safe flagger position.
3. Turn the paddle so the SLOW face is directed toward traffic.
4. Use the appropriate free-hand motion to indicate that traffic may proceed.
5. Continue monitoring vehicles as they enter and travel through the work zone.

Never wave the STOP/SLOW paddle. Keep it stationary so motorists receive a clear and consistent message.

To Slow Traffic

To alert motorists to reduce speed:

• Face approaching traffic from the designated safe position.
• Display the SLOW side of the paddle toward traffic.
• Hold the paddle in a stationary position.
• With the free hand, use a slow up-and-down motion with the palm facing downward when needed to emphasize slowing.

Never use confusing or improvised gestures.

Positioning Around Traffic

Flaggers should normally perform their duties from a safe position on the shoulder or within the closed portion of the roadway.

Flaggers should:

• Face approaching traffic while actively controlling it.
• Never turn their back on approaching traffic.
• Never stand between opposing traffic streams.
• Never stand directly in front of or behind a vehicle.
• Stay out of active traffic lanes except when an approved flagging procedure requires otherwise.
• Maintain awareness of construction equipment operating nearby.
• Continually watch for vehicles that appear unlikely to stop.

If an approaching vehicle fails to stop, move to the predetermined escape route rather than attempting to physically stop the vehicle and warn other workers according to established procedures.

Communication Between Flaggers

When more than one flagger is controlling traffic, effective communication is essential.

If flaggers cannot clearly see each other, use an approved communication method such as two-way radios. Establish communication procedures before flagging begins so each flagger knows when traffic may safely be released.

Never release opposing traffic until it has been confirmed that the traffic already traveling through the controlled area has cleared.

Stay Focused

Flagging requires your full attention. While actively controlling traffic:

• Do not use a personal cell phone or other distracting device.
• Do not read, eat, or engage in unnecessary conversations.
• Do not sit unless the traffic-control operation specifically permits it without affecting visibility or response.
• Do not perform unrelated work.
• Continually scan approaching traffic and the work zone.
• Watch for distracted, speeding, impaired, or confused motorists.
• Be prepared to use your escape route.

Nighttime Flagging

Nighttime and low-visibility operations require additional precautions.

Flagger stations should be adequately illuminated without creating glare that interferes with motorists’ vision. Flaggers must wear the required high-visibility, retroreflective apparel, and traffic-control devices should remain clearly visible and properly positioned.

Emergency Use of Flags

A red flag may be used for flagging only when permitted by applicable MUTCD procedures, such as emergency situations when a STOP/SLOW paddle is unavailable.

When the emergency condition ends or the proper traffic-control equipment becomes available, normal flagging procedures should be restored.

Remember

Never assume a driver sees you or intends to stop. Stay visible, remain alert, use clear and consistent signals, maintain a safe position, and always have an escape route. Your full attention while flagging can protect both you and everyone working behind you.