As many schools start again, we must remind our loved ones, especially children, about work zones. Whether a pedestrian or a driver, keeping alert while inside work zones is essential for your safety and the safety of construction workers.
Everyone is a kid at heart. How many of our employees have started out their construction careers by playing excavation with their toys? Children are often drawn to the equipment within construction work zones. It is essential to prevent accidents for our workforce and parents to educate children so that tragedy does not strike.
In the news, we have heard stories of tragedy resulting when trenches collapse around children playing in them. By teaching children the dangers of construction zones, injuries and even fatalities can be prevented.
Construction companies utilize barricades, covers, road plates, flaggers, signs, or heavy objects to avoid children entering work areas or job sites. However, for children, it is a “fatal attraction.” It is important children are educated and we discuss the dangers associated with a construction site.
Ten important guidelines should be discussed with children when in or around a construction zone:
- Do not walk, run, ride, or play around/in construction sites or equipment. Especially dirt piles or open trenches.
- Always walk in the designated walkway or sidewalk to avoid injury. Be alert of signage and sidewalks.
- Avoid being distracted by using handheld devices whether it is talking, texting, playing games, listening to music or any other distractions while in a construction zone.
- If possible, avoid construction sites altogether. Injury from debris or heavy machinery is possible.
- Stop, look, and listen for construction vehicles.
- Often smaller than equipment, children should protect themselves by making eye contact with equipment operators to be seen.
- Read construction signs to know what to do in these zones.
- Keep alert, falling objects are possible.
- Listen/watch for instruction by construction workers or flaggers to ensure safety.
- Stay outside of the orange cones, construction fence, and chain link areas.
While important to teach children, it’s also good to remember these tips for adults too. Addressing these guidelines with children can help reduce fatalities and injuries due to children being around job sites.