One Thing Flaggers Must Do Before Releasing Traffic

There’s something missing from the flagger manual.

And it’s proof that specs and standards are important, but the reality of the actual job site demands more than “knowing the book.”

There’s a critical action that flaggers should take before flipping that STOP sign to SLOW and releasing their waiting traffic. I teach it in every flagging class. Every flagger should do it every time;

Look over your shoulder, making sure that the path is clear.

It sounds so simple.

And it is!

But it’s so easy to overlook. The flagger is out there in the sun and rain for hours. Hundreds of vehicles a day; dozens of paddle flips in a shift…it’s easy to miss a thing or two.

And I’m not expecting perfection, but…

In this work we make life and death decisions. When we mess up, there’s a risk of serious injury (or worse) to ourselves, our co-workers, and the road-using public.

The flagger’s job is to make sure that drivers have a safe path. The flagger must LOOK at that path for traffic to make sure it’s safe.

When the flagger checks over his shoulder, he’s making checking that none of these are in the way:

• Straggling cars
• Someone pulling out of their driveway
• A safe spewing cash
• Cyclists
• Work crew on foot
• An alligator
• Equipment moving across the road
• Fallen cones
• Jaywalkers
• Escaped livestock

There could be anything on the road…anything.

Most of the time it will be just fine; all clear and ready for traffic. But the one time you don’t check, and send cars headfirst into a flood of pancake syrup…I guarantee it’s going to be on the news.

If you’re flagging (or managing flaggers), make it a habit to check over that shoulder every time.

If you need training and certification for your flaggers, give us a call at 812-283-6461 or reach out to Matt (matt@peytonsbarricade.com).