A Discussion on Developing Processes and Procurement Methods to improve Traveler and Worker Safety

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Percival Hancock
8 years ago
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1 A Discussion on Developing Processes and Procurement Methods to improve Traveler and Worker Safety

2 1400 Fatalities In Work Zones Source: Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) 2012 ARF, NHTSA

989 1186 1095 1063 1058 1004 831 800 600 716 680 576 590 609

3 To encourage each agency to look at current safety culture, policy and process to improve the implementation of a safer work zone Look at other state s processes to glean best practices

4 23 CFR Policy and procedures for work zone safety management. (Emphasis added) (a) Each agency s policy and processes, procedures, and/or guidance shall include the consideration and management of road user and worker safety on Federal aid highway projects..these processes, procedures, and/or guidance, to be developed in partnership with the FHWA, shall address the use of Positive Protection Devices.Exposure Control Measures.Other Traffic Control Measures including uniformed law enforcement officers; and the safe entry/exit of work vehicles onto/from travel lanes

and worker safety on Federal aid highway projects.

5 Safer Work Zone Implementation Technology Policy/Process Culture

6 Could the process of work zone safety design be improved? Is the contractor or construction division involved in the work zone design? Does the contractor have the flexibility to make modifications? How is positive protection considered in work zone design? What type of training is required for workers in work zones?

Does the contractor have the flexibility to make modifications?

7 29 Responses to the Survey Work zone design is performed during Design in all but 2 responses Survey: Who is responsible for work zone safety design? (Designer, Contractor, and Construction Inspection (all of the above 38.5%)) I would say the contractor primarily, but inspection staff have responsibility to address unsafe conditions

(Designer, Contractor, and Construction Inspection (all of the above 38.

8 Of those providing policy/guidance on positive protection, 3 had the guidance in design manuals, 8 had specific Work zone Safety or specific positive protection manuals, the remainder other types of guidance. Several states had a specific person charged with work zone safety statewide 8 Responses that positive protection was not required by the DOT

9 Alabama Positive Protection warrant guide Motorist and Worker protection considered Gives other types of PP, not just barrier when barrier is impractical Colorado Guidelines for the use of Positive Protection in Work zone Exposure Control Measures Warrants Detailed Engineering Study Guidance Virginia Work Area Protection Manual 7 step process for analyzing need for positive protection Worker Safety is considered in process

Work zone Exposure Control Measures Warrants Detailed Engineering Study Guidance Virginia Work Area

10 Who makes the decision to use Positive Protection on a project? Design 7 responses Design and Construction 14 responses Design, Construction, Contractor 6 responses Depends on the project and type of work and is a joint decision between design and construction. Contractor can suggest a change to the method. All of the above may institute positive separation.

6 responses Depends on the project and type of work and is a joint decision between

11 Bidding of Traffic Control and Positive Separation Bid as individual items 13 responses Bid as Lump Sum 2 responses Bid as either depending on item 9 responses

13 Exposure Control Measures Warrants Engineering Study Analysis

14 Comprehensive Safety Guide for Work Zones

15 Workzonesafety.org Information on the latest technology for WZ safety Research studies evaluating WZ technology Training materials Laws and regulations

16 If much of the design for work zone traffic control is done during the project design phase, this presents some challenges: How does the designer know how the contractor will phase the job or set up the work zone? How does the contractor propose or make changes to the work zone traffic control design? If it is phased differently than the designer envisions, this can lead to additional cost and time. How are high dollar items such as positive protection accounted for in the design?

How does the contractor propose or make changes to the work zone traffic control design?

17 If TC plans are developed in design, what have you done to improve the process? Designer training on Traffic Control Design, and/or contractor phasing Construction Staff Review of Traffic Control Design Contractor Review of Traffic Control Other (Specify)

18 If much of the work zone design is done by the contractor in construction assuming a Traffic Control lump sum, this can lead to some challenges as well. How do you ensure that positive protection, exposure control measures, or other TC measures are used where needed? How do you overcome contractors not including positive protection or other items in a low bid environment? What do you do to encourage ownership of work zone safety from your contractors?

How do you ensure that positive protection, exposure control measures, or other TC measures are used where needed?

19 23 CFR For Lump Sum items, a contingency provision should be included such that additional payment is provided if the quantity or nature of the required work changes, either an increase or decrease, due to circumstances beyond the control of the contractor

20 What methods do you use to specify positive protection or other safety related items when needed in work zones Call it out as a hard bid item Criteria that trigger the use based on risk factors Provide positive protection or other item as a state furnished item Provide a contingency amount for some TC related items Other

trigger the use based on risk factors Provide positive protection or other item

24 Every project has a contingency set aside to cover safety items Takes money out as a barrier to providing safer work zones

25 What are you doing to implement safer work zones?

Maryland Work Zone Accidents Comparison 1994-2003 May 2005

Maryland Work Zone Accidents Comparison 1994-23 May 25 Traffic Safety Analysis Division Office of Traffic and Safety Maryland State Highway Administration 7491 Connelley Drive Hanover, Maryland 2176-171