Wisconsin Observes National Work Zone Awareness Week to Reduce Roadside Accidents

Beginning Monday, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) officials in partnership with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) will observe Work Zone Awareness Week in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers and prevalence of roadside construction site crashes.

The campaign, which is set to run the week of March 23-27, is being supported by Gov. Scott Walker and for good reason. According to WisDOT statistics, 2,264 work-zone accidents occurred in 2014, which injured 832 people and killed 12.

As part of the national campaign, a one-hour work stoppage will be put into effect on construction sites across the state. During that time, employers will provide safety training for workers to help combat the risks associated with the job. Flying debris from passing cars and the chance of being struck as a vehicle speeds by are two very real dangers that roadside construction workers face every day they are on a job.

In fact, debris and worker strikes are so common they are one of the leading causes of injuries among this group.

To further enhance the safety of Wisconsins roadways, WisDOT plans to display warnings on electronic signage reminding drivers to slow down and focus on the road when workers are nearby. WisDOT says it will also use social media to get the message out to the states motorists.

Additionally, law enforcement officials and officers from the Wisconsin State Patrol will be dispatched to roadside construction sites across the state to enforce traffic laws and help keep workers safe.

If you lost a loved one in a roadside construction accident, or if you were harmed during your work at a roadside construction site, contact an attorney to explore your legal options.

Pitman, Kalkhoff, Sicula & Dentice’s Milwaukee personal injury attorneys defend the rights of construction workers who have been harmed at the hands of another, and you may have a claim for compensation because of what happened to you or your loved one.

Fill out our free case review form to get started or call 414-333-3333.