ATSSA Worker Protection Toolkit equips leaders for preventing, responding to tragedy

ATSSA Worker Protection Toolkit equips leaders for preventing, responding to tragedy

ATSSA’s Worker Protection Toolkit draws on the research and expertise of ATSSA members who share a two-fold goal: to prevent injuries and deaths of roadway workers and to equip employers to navigate the essential steps to follow if an employee is seriously injured or killed on the job.

The resources are divided into two categories:

• Incident Response – provides steps to take and the roles of key people if a death or serious injury occurs.
• Incident Prevention – provides guidance on training, a spreadsheet to track each person’s progress and a document with diagrams and definitions to educate employees on work zone terminology.

The resources are free and designed to be easily downloaded and placed in a binder for ready reference.

“These resources were developed by and for ATSSA members with the hope the incident response resources would never be needed,” said ATSSA Vice President of Learning Clark Thomas. “Unfortunately, we have seen many tragedies in work zones across the country since the first items were released in June 2023.

“Our aim is for companies to have these tools in hand to enable them to quickly and effectively respond when an emergency arises.”

ATSSA’s Roadway Worker Protection Council developed these resources due to the risks faced every day by personnel in work zones.

Below is the full list of resources currently available. The list is updated as new resources are created.

INCIDENT RESPONSE:

• Incident Investigation Checklists – Checklists and incident reports designed for crews/employees to use on scene and for managers/owners to use after the on-scene investigation. This information includes fillable forms with diagrams to aid in creating documentation.
• Emergency Scene Response (Field Document) – This one-page document provides a list of 12 essential steps to take on scene immediately following an emergency incident.
• Emergency Response (Management) – This one-page document provides 24 steps management needs to address immediately following an emergency incident.
• Emergency Response (Additional recommendations) – This one-page document provides recommendations for management that can be implemented after the initial emergency actions.

INCIDENT PREVENTION:

• Work Zone Training and Resource Guide – This resource automatically downloads, providing a fillable Excel chart for managers to track the training of eight categories of employees.
• Work Zone Terminology for New Employees – This resource provides an orientation for employees new to road work and traffic control. It includes definitions as well as color images and diagrams.
• Advanced Work Zone Terminology – The advanced version of work zone terminology builds on the new employee version and is designed for established employees, traffic control technicians and supervisors. It includes color diagrams.
• Model Training Specifications – This resource delineates the essential elements for roadway safety professionals in 10 job categories.
• Guidance for AFAD Operators – This resource details the proper use and applications for Automated Flagging Assistance Devices (AFADs).
• Traffic Control Hands-On Practice – This resource provides hands-on activities in five areas to supplement classroom training. It is designed to aid employees in retaining information that is needed on the job.

To submit feedback, WorkerProtection@atssa.com.

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