Highway Construction Flagger Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle—Kentucky

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

On September 29, 2022, a 25-year-old general laborer (victim) was conducting traffic control for a highway construction project on a two-lane state highway. While doing so, a vehicle failed to stop and struck the victim. The victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the incident.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Key contributing factors identified in this investigation include:

• Unsafe operation of a motor vehicle,
• Lack of hazard recognition,
• No physical barrier between moving vehicles and workers.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Kentucky investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar occurrences, the following actions should be implemented:

• Employers should utilize automated flagger assistance devices (AFAD) for traffic control in work zones in lieu of flaggers.
• Stationary law enforcement vehicles with activated blue lights should be utilized in work zones when workers are present.
• Employers should utilize portable temporary rumble strips (PTRS) in temporary work zones.
• Motor vehicle operators should utilize safe driving practices when approaching and driving through work zones.

Highway Construction Flagger Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle—Kentucky [PDF – 1,092KB]