The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) is holding the 4th annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents April 17-21, 2023. It is being held in coordination with National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). This year’s theme is, “You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.” 

According to CPWR, struck-by incidents are the second leading cause of death among construction workers and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the industry. The CPWR website provides resources for employers to talk about safety and struck-by hazards, including toolbox talks on how to prevent falling objects and a webinar on preventing struck-by incidents presented in both English and Spanish.

CPWR also has work zone safety resources such as toolbox talks on working around vehicles, traffic safety and more, presented in English and Spanish. Webinar topics involve preventing struck-by incidents in roadway work zones and learning by experience.

Organized every spring, NZWAW is held at the start of construction season to promote safe driving in work zones.

NWZAW’s week-long commemoration includes:

• April 17: Work zone safety training day. Companies are encouraged to stop work and talk about safety policies and other preventative steps.
• April 18: National kickoff event is hosted by the Missouri Department of Transportation and will be held at the new I-70 westbound bridge over the Missouri River.
• April 19: Go orange day. Participants are encouraged to show their support for work zone safety by wearing orange.
• April 20: Social media storm. Use #NWZAW and #WorkZoneSafety to share messages.
• April 21: Moment of silence. This was started in 2022 as a tribute to the people who lost their lives in a work zone accident. 

The American Traffic Safety Services (ATSS) Foundation is a nonprofit supporting loved ones of those affected by work zone incidents. The organization’s goal is to spread awareness for work zone safety. According to ATSS’ blog, work zone fatalities rose 11% from 2020 to 2021 (rising from 863 to 956 deaths). Drivers and passengers accounted for 778 or the 956 traffic fatalities. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration recommend drivers plan ahead, slow down, not use their phones, look out for work zones and more to safely move through a work zone.

Stay tuned to the May issue of SAFETY LEADER for more coverage of work zone safety and prevention of struck-by incidents.