What should be the first consideration when setting up a work zone?

The foremost consideration when setting up a work zone should be the safety of workers and road users. Ensuring safety is critical because work zones can present a variety of hazards to both those working on the project and motorists passing through the area. This entails implementing appropriate temporary traffic control measures to protect workers, establish safe pathways for pedestrians, and guide vehicles safely through or around the work zone.

Prioritizing safety helps reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities that can occur in such environments. This includes assessing potential hazards, providing adequate signage, using protective barriers, and educating workers and the public about safety protocols. By placing safety at the forefront, it creates a secure environment which, in turn, can foster more efficient traffic flow and reduce disruptions in the long term.

Considerations like cost efficiency, minimizing traffic disruption, and maximizing construction speed, although important, should always be secondary to ensuring a safe work zone. The impact on safety should guide all decisions regarding the layout and operations of the work zone, ensuring that the primary goal remains the protection of human life and well-being.