Safety and Risk Management Flashcards

Which of the following is a recognized cause of 'work zone intrusion' incidents?

Answer: Driver inattention, distraction, or fatigue

The majority of work zone crashes involve driver inattention, distraction, or fatigue, making it critical that traffic control is highly visible and effective.

What does a flagger do when a long queue of vehicles builds up on their side and the wait exceeds a reasonable period?

Answer: Coordinate with the other flagger via radio to manage release timing and reduce the backup safely

Flaggers must communicate to balance queue lengths on both ends while ensuring only one direction travels the single lane at a time.

Which of the following best describes a 'flagger station'?

Answer: A designated, visible location where the flagger stands to direct traffic, preferably off the traveled roadway

A flagger station is a pre-determined, clearly visible position—ideally off the traveled lane—from which the flagger safely controls traffic.

Before a work shift begins, what pre-shift safety check should flaggers perform?

Answer: Inspect all PPE, verify radio function, confirm the traffic control plan, and identify escape routes

A pre-shift check covers equipment readiness, communication, the traffic control plan, and knowing how to exit the danger zone quickly if needed.

A cement mixer reversing in the work zone poses a hazard. As a flagger, you should:

Answer: Keep yourself and other workers clear of the reversing path and ensure the spotter is positioned safely on the side

Backing vehicles are a leading cause of worker fatalities; flaggers should stay out of the path and ensure a spotter guides the driver from the side, not the rear.

Under the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), what color is used for temporary traffic control signs?

Answer: Orange background with black letters

Temporary traffic control (work zone) signs use an orange background with black lettering to distinguish them from permanent signage.

Which situation requires a flagger to immediately stop all traffic and call for emergency services?

Answer: A worker is struck or trapped by a vehicle or equipment inside the work zone

Any worker injury or entrapment is a medical emergency requiring immediate 911 activation and cessation of all work zone traffic movement.