The sites where some construction or utility work is under progress are particularly more dangerous than normal roads. Traffic controllers are employed when the traffic control devices and signs for roadworks are considered as insufficient, to provide traffic control for personal safety, public convenience and efficient job control and management. They have an extremely important job on a construction site. They are the front line representatives of your organisation and have an important public relations role. This job requires any person who undertakes onsite manual traffic control tasks at work on a public road and he or she should be qualified to do so.
The responsibilities of traffic controllers:
- Controlling traffic allowing them to mediate through, past or around the construction site.
- Handling motorists and other road users professionally.
- Enabling works at the site to be handled safely by minimising the risk associated with traffic movement.
- Maintaining traffic control in emergencies and other difficult situations.
- Minimising delays to the traffic.
- Safety of fellow workers.
- Safety of motorists and other road users.
To be courteous at all times when dealing with the public. If requested, tell the driver the reason for the delay but be brief.They use hand held "stop" and "slow" signs can that are mounted on the back of a timber or aluminium pole. They always use the signs in conjunction with hand signals while watching the approaching vehicles. They hold the signs steady so that everyone can see the sign. They get the driver's attention by using hand signals and making eye contact. They never wave the sign, so that the driver can clearly see it. They use luminous wand signals for night time traffic control.
Many other devices are also utilised by them to show the appropriate signs and warnings. They use traffic signs that are words or symbols to convey information to drivers. High level warning devices are also used that are high enough to see over other vehicles. These type of devices are used in work zones in high traffic density urban areas. Traffic cones are used to close a particular area or divide traffic lanes temporarily. Tubular markers that are cylindrical in shape are also used for the same purpose. Barricades are channelizing devices used to redirect traffic on high speed roads and expressways. Road surface markings are also utilised to guide and direct traffic by designating lanes and indicating stopping points at intersection.
Thus, it is quite clear that the work of traffic controllers is definitely not an easy one.
