Tales from three construction sites: A qualitative investigation into work zone safety

Abstract

Roads form the backbone of the South African economy, and the provision of adequate road infrastructure is key to facilitate socio-economic change. Many of South Africa’s roads are facing increasing growth in traffic volumes, congestion, and the infrastructure is aging. Construction works are needed to add capacity as well as to maintain existing infrastructure. The construction work has an impact on the safety of the travelling public as well as on

workers on site, who are exposed to traffic constantly. Typically, roadwork zones are well- defined areas, but they are dynamic, and roadworks contracts necessitate constant change,

which impacts on the segments under construction, making safe operation an ongoing effort. This paper explores work zone safety by making use of qualitative observations from three existing work zones on the national road network. The sites were largely rural, and safety concerns related to traffic accommodation were identified. The use of signage to safely redirect traffic, safety considerations in terms of personnel and equipment on site as well as public driving behaviour are key elements in ensuring safe work zone areas. In line with the Safe System Approach, the process of designing and building safer roads and roadsides needs to be managed to minimise risk to both road workers and the travelling public.