When Is Work Zone Equipment Necessary And Why?

When Is Work Zone Equipment Necessary And Why?

13 January 2021
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog


When work gets done at an intersection or on a highway, the contractors should use work zone equipment while also wearing protective gear, including reflective vests and colorful hard hats. Using the combination of work zone equipment with protective gear is the best way for these professionals to keep themselves protected while doing their jobs.

Completing Highway Construction

One of several common reasons for contractors to use work zone equipment is highway construction. Construction on highways often takes place when they need to be expanded to reduce traffic jams. However, the process can take time, and contractors will spend hours each day on the highway near vehicles that are moving at fast speeds. Preventing accidents involving both cars and workers is a must. That is why the contractors will set up the work zone equipment in visible areas, making sure all motorists can see it. While completing highway construction, the contractors may use the following types of work zone equipment:

  • Concrete Barriers. These barriers offer an added protection layer between the vehicles on the highway and the workers who are trying to do their jobs. If a motorist did shift a bit too far off to the side where the workers are doing their jobs, the vehicle would hit the concrete barrier instead of hitting the workers.
  • Traffic Control Boards. Using traffic control boards is vital on the highway because these boards are large and easy to see from a distance, which prepares motorists for what to expect as they enter the work zone. The panels may include speed limit details and lane switch details. For example, the signboard might have an arrow on it that points in a specific direction to let motorists know they need to switch lanes when they can safely do so.

Constructing a New Commercial Building

Commercial buildings often get built in areas that people frequent. Because there may be many pedestrians and motorists around while contractors are working on constructing a new commercial property, they must use work zone equipment for their safety and the safety of everyone else around them. While putting the new building together, the contractors may use the following work zone equipment:

  • Plastic Stanchions/Barriers. The bright orange stanchions/barriers make people aware that construction is going on, keeping them from entering the construction zone while ensuring that motorists stay off to the other side.
  • Detour Signs. If the area is too hazardous for pedestrians or motorists, the contractors may put up detour signs that let people know they will need to move in a different direction to get where they would like to go.

Repairing Damage to Streets

Damage to the streets can happen at unexpected times. When it does happen, contractors often get sent out to complete the repairs, making the roads smooth and safe to drive on again. During the process of completing these essential repairs, the contractors must use work zone equipment to protect themselves. They can redirect traffic and keep motorists from speeding through the streets when contractors are trying to complete essential tasks. The work zone equipment that commonly gets used during street repairs include:

  • Slow-Down Signs. Slow-down signs may get posted a few feet away from the actual work zone to let the motorists know that they will need to reduce their speeds. In some cases, one of the contractors will hold one of these signs while standing in the middle of the road and redirecting traffic to one side.
  • Steel Barriers. These portable steel barriers get placed around the contractors and the street area that they are working on to keep them protected from motorists while they focus on completing the necessary repairs.

No matter what type of work is being done, the contractors completing the tasks must use work zone equipment. The equipment offers protection to contractors, motorists, and pedestrians, keeping everyone safe while work takes place.