At Flagger Force, we believe in aSafety-Drivenculture. We want to share our passion for safety with others. In traffic control, safety is the number one priority, not just in terms of setting up quality work zones but also in terms of personal safety. From the proper use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), to maintaining situation awareness, a safety focused approach to all things is critical. We focus on the basics which starts with wearing proper PPE per industry safety standards and even how you walk on the jobsite. Our people have to be safe before we can keep our clients and traveling public safe.
Personal Protection Equipment
One argument against wearing PPE is that it can be uncomfortable. Historically, safety equipment like helmets and glasses were designed without much thought for comfort. They offered protection, but little in the way of ergonomics. Thankfully, over the past few decades, suppliers have worked hard to make helmets, glasses and other forms of PPE lighter and more comfortable, while still offering excellent safety:
Helmets are available with padding and straps, which allow the user to adjust for a perfect fit. Lightweight models are comfortable to wear all day long, and include ventilation to help keep your head cool.
Safety glasses are designed to be as comfortable to wear as regular glasses. They are available with adjustable and padded legs and come in clear and tinted lenses for use outdoors in the sun.
We have created our Safety-Driven culture so that workplace safety becomes second nature. PPE shouldn’t be an afterthought — it should be an integral part of day-to-day work. Just as we all buckle our seat belts as soon as we get into the car, we want our employees to put on their PPE as soon as they arrive at a job site and ensure the safety of their eyes and heads all day long.
Safety is a mindset our Flagger Force employees take with them every day. It’s about being observant and aware, following rules and instructions, keeping in close communication with others on the job site and setting a good example by always wearing the required PPE.
When you consider the risks involved with not wearing adequate PPE, it quickly becomes clear that it’s not worth the risk. This is why we oblige our flaggers and other team members who are on a job site to always wear helmets and eye protection. Safety doesn’t just happen, so join our team and work
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Employees who miss a phone call for next day work must call back within two (2) hours or within two (2) hours of the end of a job. Employees on “first call” (6 a.m.–10 a.m. daily), must call back within 30 minutes.
Any reasonable “unable to reach” would not count. Exceptions include:
Verified hospitalization
Other HR-approved reason
Any reasonable refusal does not count. These include:
Distance requested to drive is greater than 30 miles as the crow flies.
Requested work that would require over 16 straight hours on duty.
Requested work that would require over 16 hours in a 24-hour period.
Refusals on the ITZ app do not count and are not tracked. The ITZ app is not an official means of communication for confirming/refusing jobs.
Reasonable call offs are:
Employee has a medical emergency for themselves or immediate family member (spouse, child, parent) if documentation from health care provider is provided within 48 hours of the date of call off.
Employee has a personal vehicle emergency if documentation from roadside response or mechanic is provided within 48 hours of the date of call off.
The prior confirmed assignment would require over 16 straight hours on duty.
The prior confirmed assignment would require over 16 hours in a 24-hour period.
Follow the traffic standards
Follow the Flagger Force training and policies
Ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Contact your field manager, area supervisor, field specialist, quality specialist, or instructor.
Slow down, take your time on the job to pay attention to details.
Here are some tips to improve your on-time arrival score:
Leave at least 15-minutes earlier than your GPS says to allow time for traffic
Go to sleep the night before a job at a decent hour
Pack your required materials for the next day the night before so you are prepared
Consider the following:
Perform a thorough and comprehensive circle of safety each and every time
Slow down and do NOT speed
Prepare your route ahead of time
Leave early giving yourself extra time
Be patient and expect the unexpected
Do not tailgate
Leave plenty of room ahead of your vehicle
Be aware of what is around your vehicle
Be patient and expect the unexpected
Do not drive distracted
Pull over to use your phone before texting or placing or receiving a call
Set your GPS before you leave for your destination
Text or call after you pull over or arrive, IT CAN WAIT!
Always use a spotter if someone is available
Have your spotter get out of the vehicle to assist you
You should also get out and determine any hazards there may be
It only takes a minute before you act
Remember your 5 keys for SmithDriving System that you learned in class:
Aim High in Steering
Make yourself aware of who and what is around your vehicle
Adjust your driving accordingly and do not force any issues you face
Get the Big Picture
Scan all around your field of vision
Stay alert—if you are tired or fatigued, pull over, and rest
Keep Your Eyes Moving
Keeps you focused
Keeps you aware
Leave Yourself an Out
Allows you the time and room to adjust to what you see
Practice steps 1, 2 and 3 above
Make Sure They See You
Have your lights on
Make eye contact with other drivers and pedestrians
Avoid clusters of other vehicles, easy to get lost in the traffic
You have a horn, use it if necessary
Slow down
Refer to your SmithDriving manual and training
Avoid issues with the top incidents that result in points are: