What actions can be taken to increase the safety of a work zone?

Improving communication and signage is essential for enhancing safety in a work zone. Clear signage serves to inform drivers and pedestrians about the changes in traffic patterns, upcoming hazards, and instructions on how to navigate through or around the work area. Effective communication encompasses not only the signage but also includes the use of traffic control devices like cones, barrels, and variable message boards that convey real-time information. Such measures help to minimize confusion, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure that both the workers and the public are safely guided through the work zone.

While reducing barriers or increasing the number of workers might not inherently enhance safety, they could potentially compromise the control and clarity within the work zone conditions. Avoiding contact with the public is important, but without proper communication and signage, workers may still face significant safety risks and the public may be unaware of how to safely navigate through or around the site. Therefore, improving communication and signage stands out as the most effective solution for increasing safety in these environments.