Regulatory, organizational, and operational issues in road construction safety

The safety of roadworkers is a high priority for occupational health and road safety authorities, and especially for the workers themselves and the organizations that employ and represent them. There are substantial risks involved in undertaking construction and maintenance in close proximity to moving traffic, and compromises between traffic flow, acceptable risk exposure levels, and equipment and resource levels associated with such tasks. While road construction and maintenance works (commonly known as roadworks) are essential for maintaining and improving the mobility and safety of all road users, the process of building safer roads and roadsides needs to be managed to minimize risks to both the motorists and roadworkers.