Since you are about to cross the road during the construction project at a worksite there will be a person who is instructing you to follow the safety signs is a flagger which means work zone traffic controller. The importance of traffic controller in a workplace is much more needed for the public as well as co-workers to avoid accidental hazards.

Key Players

Various road construction projects may require the use of flagger as a part of the operations. In this situation, it is no exaggeration to say that the flagger job is the most important one on site. The lives of everyone; the travelling public, the construction crew and the flaggers themselves are all in the hands of flaggers. Any lack of attention or a mistake could mean the difference between life and death. It is imperative that flaggers be alert, well trained, properly equipped, and correctly outfitted to do the job.

Flagger is a key player in preventing injuries and fatalities in work zones. Flaggers are the first line of defense in preventing vehicles from entering the work zone and for warning others of potential dangers. By preparing yourself with proper personnal protective equipment, staying attentive at all times, and never turning your back on traffic, you can prevent serious injuries and fatalities from occurring in the work zone.

Responsibilities

Have proper clothing and equipment like a horn, hard hat, and whistle
Use Stop/Slow paddles
Use warning signs
Make sure you’re visible to oncoming traffic
Clearance the traffic caused by under construction projects.
Maintaining the safety of both the public and co-workers.
Showing right Signals to the site workers while handling equipment.

It also involves directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic around a construction zone, accident or other road disruption, thus ensuring the safety of emergency response teams, construction workers and the general public.

Warning signs

“Road work ahead”

“One lane road ahead”

“Flagging symbol sign”

“Be prepared to stop”

Basic skills of Traffic controller

Stop traffic
Realizing Traffic
Slowing Traffic
If you learn these three basic skills, you will be prepared for any work zone operations.

Thus the presence of traffic controller is the must for construction zone was asserted and some of the University and colleges provide courses for Basic traffic Controller work.