When planning a work zone, what factors must be considered?

The selection of traffic volume, speed limits, and type of roadway as key factors in planning a work zone is crucial because these elements directly impact both the safety and efficiency of the work zone.

Understanding traffic volume helps to identify how many vehicles will be affected by the work zone and allows for appropriate detour paths and signage to be set up. Higher traffic volumes typically require more robust traffic control measures to manage the flow of vehicles safely around and through the area.

Speed limits are another critical factor; they dictate how fast vehicles can travel through a work zone. Planning must consider these limits and possibly implement temporary speed reductions to ensure the safety of both workers and drivers. This can be particularly important in areas where workers may be close to moving vehicles.

The type of roadway affects how traffic is managed within the work zone. For example, highways may require different setups compared to residential streets due to higher speeds and volumes, making layout and signage distinct.

Overall, thorough consideration of these traffic dynamics ensures that the work zone is both safe for workers and minimally disruptive to the public, fulfilling OSHA's mission to promote workplace safety and health.