ForConstructionPros.com

As more work is performed at night or on roadways open to traffic, the risks to highway workers climbs. According to the National Safety Council, in 2006, more than 1,000 workers were killed and over 37,000 injured as a result of struck-by accidents.

"We know, based on well-known studies, that a portion of these were linked to low visibility," says Gary Pearson, marketing department manager, 3M.

Worker visibility has been brought to the forefront with the Federal Highway Mandate, which has a November 2008 compliance deadline. According to 23 CFR Part 634, all workers in the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are exposed to traffic or to construction equipment must wear high-visibility safety apparel meeting ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Performance Class 2 (covers the torso) or 3 (covers the torso, arms and legs) requirements.

Worker visibility is also highlighted in a proposed amendment to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2009 Edition. It would require the same level of high-visibility apparel cited above for all workers exposed to traffic or construction equipment while working on public access highways.

"The scientific and industry research communities have established that low visibility is an occupational hazard," says Pearson. "And the fatality/injury statistics are still too high. Low visibility is a risk, and it needs to be addressed."