Of equal importance to the safety of the public traveling through the work zone is the safety of workers.  The constantly changing and unexpected conditions, which are often experienced in a work zone, tend to confuse drivers thus creating a high level of vulnerability for workers on or near the roadway.  

Following the fundamental principles of this handbook and the other referenced materials will usually provide the degree of control and traffic operation that will bring about safe conditions for the worker.  Of particular importance is maintaining work areas where traffic flow is inhibited as little as possible, providing standard and clear traffic devices that get the driver's attention and provide positive direction.  

Below are key elements of traffic control that should be considered in any procedure for assuring worker safety:  

•  TRAINING - All workers should be trained in how to work next to vehicular traffic in a way that minimizes their vulnerability.  In addition, personnel with specific traffic control responsibilities shall be trained in TTC  techniques, device usage, and placement.  
• WORKER CLOTHING - Workers exposed to traffic or construction equipment shall be attired in bright, highly visible safety vests, meeting the requirements of ISEA or equivalent revisions.
• BARRIERS – Temporary barriers shall be placed along the workspace depending on such factors as lateral clearance of workers from adjacent traffic, speed of traffic, duration of operations, time of day and volume of traffic.  
• ACTIVITY AREA - Minimizing backing-up maneuvers of construction vehicles should be considered to minimize exposure to risk.
• LIGHTING - For nighttime work, lighting the area and approaches may allow the driver better comprehension of the requirements being imposed.  Care must be taken to ensure that the lighting does not cause blinding. 
• SPECIAL DEVICES - Judicious use of special warning and control devices may be helpful for certain difficult work area situations.  These include changeable message signs, hazard identification beacons, flags, and warning lights.  Misuse and overuse of special devices/ techniques can greatly lessen their effectiveness. 
• PUBLIC INFORMATION - Improved driver performance may be realized through a well-prepared and complete public relations effort that covers the nature of the work, the time and duration of its execution, and its anticipated effects upon traffic and possible alternate routes and modes of travel.  Such programs have been found to result in a significant drop in traffic, which reduces the possible number of conflicts. 
• ROAD CLOSURE - If acceptable alternate routes are available, the road may be closed temporarily during times of greatest worker hazard, which, in addition to offering maximum worker safety, may facilitate quicker project completion and thus further reduce worker vulnerability.  Road closures will only be allowed with prior approval from CDOT or in emergency situations (see Sections 3, 4 and 5).