Road construction projects involve various undertakings, and some of which pose a threat to the safety of the workers and the public at large. A company selected to complete a given road construction project has a duty to ensure the safety of all the parties involved both directly and indirectly. Proper communication is also essential as it affects the relationship between the construction company and the community around them.
Road Users’ Safety
The most effective way of ensuring road users’ safety is through the use of informative and warning road signs. There are businesses that offer traffic control equipment for sale, which road construction companies may purchase for utilization in the course of their projects. The road signs vary from each other but play a common role in informing road users of an unusual event taking place along the road. A simple sign such as “Road Works Ahead” informs a driver of possibly ongoing road construction or repair activities. There may be road graders in operation or even workers and hence the need to slow down. Currently, it is both a legal and ethical requirement that road construction companies should place road warning signs at strategic points whenever they are conducting construction activities. It further serves to remove liability on their part in the event of an accident.
Workers’ Safety
Apart from ensuring the safety of road users, the selected construction company has a duty to preserve the safety of their workers. This may be achieved through the provision of safety equipment. An example is reflective vests that make the workers more visible to drivers on the road. Helmets and safety boots are also essential in protecting workers against possible injuries. Depending on the nature of the work and the condition of the roads, the workers may also be provided with gas masks to reduce their chances of developing respiratory complications. As always, the provision of safety equipment is not sufficient to ensure workers’ safety unless it is accompanied by proper training. The workers need to be trained on how to conduct themselves while on the roads. Having a reflective vest is not enough. They still need to observe road safety rules; otherwise, they may risk getting knocked down.
Public Relations
This refers to the way the hired company relates to the public in general. A lot of effort should be put in place to ensure timely and accurate communication with the public. This may be achieved in conjunction with the local authority that is tasked with overseeing the successful completion of the project. For example, the public ought to be informed if a section of the road is to be closed for construction purposes. That way, road users are able to adjust their schedules and even consider other alternative routes that they may use to get to work.
The purpose of road constructions and repairs is to improve the public’s welfare. A company may not seek to improve it if they are endangering the public’s safety and well-being in the first place. Therefore, it has a duty to ensure the safety of all the parties involved in the course of achieving its objectives.
