Roadway maintenance workers face a high-risk environment, and accidents on the job can happen unexpectedly. When a roadway accident occurs, quick and effective action is critical for ensuring the safety of everyone involved and minimizing disruptions.
As per the NSC, roadway incidents involving motorized vehicles are the top cause of work-related deaths. In 2022, there were 1,369 worker fatalities, and between 2021 and 2022, over 68,000 cases were reported. This category covers injuries to vehicle occupants on highways, streets, and surrounding areas like telephone poles and bridge abutments.
Knowing what to do in the aftermath of an accident is essential for both personal safety and protecting the public. In this post, we will go over the critical steps that road maintenance staff should carry out following an accident.
Immediate Safety Measures and Incident Reporting
The priority after an accident is ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Roadway maintenance workers should assess the situation quickly to determine if any injuries have occurred. If injuries are present, calling emergency services is crucial. Workers should also use safety cones, warning signs, or flares to secure the area and prevent further accidents.
Documenting the event comes next after the location has been made secure. It’s crucial to document the incident with photographs, including any damages. Workers should also collect contact information from all parties involved, including witnesses, and notify their supervisors immediately. Accurate and timely reporting helps ensure that proper procedures are followed, and it assists with any future investigations.
However, it’s worth noting that as per Nolo, witnesses aren’t always perfectly reliable when it comes to recounting accidents. Human memory can be faulty, and people often remember events differently, even when they saw the same incident. Accidents happen quickly, with vehicles moving unpredictably, and bystanders might only see a fleeting glimpse of the crash.
How can workers effectively secure an accident scene?
Workers should use safety cones, flares, or warning signs to mark the accident area. This helps prevent further collisions and ensures that the site is visible to oncoming traffic. Quick action to secure the scene is vital for both safety and documentation purposes.
Legal Assistance and Potential Personal Injury Cases
In the aftermath of an accident, legal assistance may be necessary, especially if the incident occurred during work hours. Workers in the roadway maintenance industry should be aware that workplace accidents can occasionally result in personal injury claims. If a worker is hurt while doing their job, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if the accident involves another party, such as a motorist, and negligence is involved, the situation can become more complex.
According to Keith Law Group, consulting a local lawyer is a smart move in these situations. An attorney can advise you on the best course of action and whether you are entitled to any further compensation beyond workers’ compensation. Their experience can be crucial in understanding legal complexity and ensuring your rights are safeguarded.
In a May 2023 incident reported by KARK, Timothy Harris, a 25-year-old Arkansas Department of Transportation employee, was struck and killed by a car. He was retrieving a shovel from Interstate 430 in Little Rock. Despite these precautions, Harris was performing a dangerous task requested by his employer. The case is complicated by the involvement of a car accident, underscoring the risks of roadside maintenance and potential employer liability.
In such circumstances, the victim’s family must obtain legal representation to negotiate the complexity of the issue. A Little Rock personal injury lawyer can offer useful advice and guarantee that their rights are safeguarded. Local attorneys can help address potential employer liability and pursue appropriate compensation for the family.
What role does a local lawyer play in workplace accident cases?
A local lawyer helps navigate the complexities of personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. They offer expertise in assessing potential additional compensation beyond standard workers’ comp. Their guidance ensures all legal rights are protected and helps manage interactions with insurance companies and other parties.
Preventing Future Accidents Through Safety Protocols
After addressing immediate concerns and legal considerations, it’s important to focus on preventing future accidents. Roadway maintenance crews should review the circumstances that led to the accident and identify any potential safety improvements. This may include revising safety protocols, improving signage, or providing additional training for workers on how to handle dangerous situations.
Regular safety meetings and drills can also help reinforce the importance of following established procedures.
Forbes highlights that in April 2024, OSHA and the National Safety Council organized a panel discussion to highlight how employers can enhance road safety. Lorraine Martin, president of the National Safety Council, stressed that roadway safety is a key component of workplace safety. Both organizations are dedicated to working with employers to improve protections for workers on the road.
It’s also critical to make sure that all employees have access to the right safety gear and know how to utilize it. Road maintenance staff can reduce the likelihood of accidents and improve everyone’s safety at work by taking a proactive approach to safety.
What safety improvements can be made after an accident?
Reviewing the accident’s circumstances can reveal areas for safety enhancements. Consider updating safety protocols, improving signage, or increasing training on handling hazardous situations. Regular safety meetings and drills also reinforce the importance of adherence to safety measures and help prevent future incidents.
The aftermath of a roadway accident is a crucial time for maintenance workers. If employees follow the instructions in this guide, they can safeguard both their safety and the safety of others. Quick, effective actions are essential for securing the scene, documenting the incident, and addressing any legal issues that arise.
Preventing future accidents is just as important as handling the current situation. Everyone works in a safer workplace when safety precautions are taken and procedures are updated as required. Roadway maintenance workers play a vital role in safeguarding both themselves and the public by prioritizing safety and adhering to established procedures.
