How should barriers be used in a work zone?

Barriers in a work zone play a crucial role in ensuring safety by creating a physical separation between workers, equipment, and vehicular traffic. This separation is essential to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, providing a safe working environment for employees who are often working in close proximity to moving vehicles. By effectively delineating a safe area, barriers help control the flow of traffic and prevent unauthorized access, thus maintaining both worker safety and traffic management.

While separating pedestrians from traffic is also important, the primary function of barriers in this context is to protect workers and machinery directly involved in the work process. Blocking off access entirely could be necessary in some scenarios, but it is not the fundamental purpose of barrier installation. Additionally, using barriers as a decorative element does not align with their intended function, which is to functionally enhance safety rather than provide aesthetic appeal.