Road workers in Georgia will get some much needed safety training next week, thanks to state-level participation in National Highway Work Zone Awareness Week, April 3-7. The Federal Highway Administration, the state of Georgia, local government organizations and employers are partnering with OSHA to sponsor one-hour events to train road workers on the dangers of distracted drivers, flying debris and other objects and activities that endanger those who toil in highway work zones.

Reminding the industry

"The Safety Stand-Down events allow employers to identify hazards and how employees can avoid them,” said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA's regional administrator for the Southeast. “It also reminds the construction industry and the public at-large of the importance of safety in these work zones."

The Stand-Down is being organized by the Georgia Struck-By Alliance, which includes OSHA; the Associated General Contractors of Georgia Inc.; 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material; Georgia Department of Transportation; Federal Highway Administration's Georgia Division; Georgia Highway Contractors Association; Georgia Utility Contractors Association Inc.; Georgia Tech Research Institute; Lamar Advertising; Georgia Power; Pike Corporation; Ansco & Associates LLC; Construction Education Foundation of Georgia; National Safety Council, Georgia Chapter; Comcast; Local Government Risk Management Services; and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Leading causes of roadside fatalities

Objects and vehicles striking workers are the leading cause of roadside-related construction deaths. The 2017 Safety Stand-Down events during National Highway Work Zone Awareness Week, April 3-7, allows employers to remind workers how to avoid hazards and work safely.

An informational flier and toolbox in English and Spanish is available from the Associated General Contractors of Georgia. For more information, contact Christi Griffin in OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office at 678-903-7301; Bill Fulcher in the Atlanta-East Area Office at 770-493-6644; or Margo Westmoreland in the Savannah Area Office at 912-652-4393.

Through the agency's Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses.