Traffic safety in road construction work zones

Road workers' safety is at risk in road construction areas, as their work occurs alongside moving vehicles. Furthermore, there is a paucity of literature relative to this aspect of safety, which constitutes the research gap. Respondents to three descriptive surveys included engineering consultants, contractors, traffic safety officers, road construction workers, and random motorists. Findings include road users are not cognizant of the risk to workers in the work zone; signage and advance warning signs alone are not sufficient to slow motorists' speed, and plant operator visibility in terms of being able to see the areas around the plant, is an issue. Recommendations include: the public should be educated regarding the risks associated with a work zone; contractors should monitor road users' speed prior to the work zone; contractors should install sensors or cameras on the rear and side panels of plant, so that plant operators have all round vision, and workers should be educated regarding the dangers related to using their mobile phones inside work zones.