ATSSA Worker Protection Toolkit updated for 2024

ATSSA Worker Protection Toolkit updated for 2024

ATSSA recently released two additional training resources in its Worker Protection Toolkit to help protect roadway workers – one providing model training specifications and the other offering guidance for automated flagging assistance device (AFAD) operators.

In 2023, ATSSA released a Worker Protection Toolkit to assist the industry in prevention of roadway worker injuries and equip industry members with the necessary knowledge for proper response in the case of injury or death.

“As part of its ongoing focus on worker safety with the goal to mitigate risk as well as reduce serious injuries and fatalities, ATSSA’s Roadway Worker Protection Council (RWPC) has added guidance for automated flagging assistance devices (AFAD) operators to the resources it maintains within the Worker Protection Toolkit,” said ATSSA Vice President of Learning Clark Thomas.

“With various standing subcommittees and active task forces in place as needed, the RWPC is always exploring a variety of topics to identify ways in which the group can share information that enhances safety and eliminates risk related to daily tasks undertaken by the roadway workers of our members,” Thomas added. “This Toolkit is a practical way ATSSA’s RWPC helps members navigate worker safety concerns, and, in addition to this new resource, plans are in place to further expand the Toolkit in the coming year.”

The Worker Protection Toolkit came about through the efforts of the Roadway Worker Protection Council – a council grown out of the Roadway Worker Protection Summit held during ATSSA’s 2021 Convention & Traffic Expo.

This year the Toolkit was updated to include two new resources: the “Model Training Specifications” and “Guidance for AFAD Operators”. The Toolkit now offers nine resources, with the two newest ones intended to amplify the education and safety knowledge of roadway industry workers responding to incidents in the field.

• Model Training Specifications – Added in early 2024, this 7-page document includes language intended to address the essential elements of roadway safety professionals’ duties and responsibilities
• Guidance for AFAD Operators – Added in late 2024, this guidance sheet details the proper use and applications for Automated Flagging Assistance Devices (AFADs).

ATSSA’s Worker Protection Toolkit is available free via digital download.