National Work Zone Awareness Week in New Jersey
National Work Zone Awareness Week is happening now in many states across the country, from April 3-7. Yesterday, April 5, we wore Orange for Safety in the workplace. This year, as with every year in the spring, we celebrate safety in the workplace as a way to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety by speaking about mobility issues in the work zones. The Federal Highway Administration has worked with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials to coordinate the yearly event since 1999!
The Dangers of Road Work in New Jersey
Much of the roadwork that is conducted in New Jersey is done while motorists are present, making workplace situations dangerous. In 2004, on a national level, there were 1,065 workplace fatalities and 40,000 injuries due to crashes. Many of these accidents happen due to rear-end collisions or side-swipes. In the 90s, New Jersey took action and developed the New Jersey Work Zone Safety Partnership as a way to reduce work zone fatalities. The group is devised of full-time troopers that specialize in work safety enforcement and OSHA helps train them properly to inspect work zones for any safety issues. In New Jersey, work zone safety is of utmost importance and handled very delicately.
Slowing Down for Work Zone Safety
As National Work Zone Awareness Week edges on, many organizations work to bring attention to the importance of staying alert when you are driving in work zones, for your own protection and the protection of workers. In the words of others, it only takes one accident for somebody’s career or life to come to an end. Drivers are urged to pay attention to the roads, expect the unexpected, slow down, merge safely, and never, ever tailgate.
We support National Work Zone Awareness Week at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi and hope that everybody considers these dangers in the work zone and works together to prevent accidents. If you have been injured in the work zone, contact us today to find out how we can help you.
