With the launch of “Respect”- a DVD designed to highlight the crucial role of roadworkers and the risks faced by them, the Highways Agency brought a long-standing issue to the fore last year. With heavy road traffic expected as holidays end, the Agency has once more reminded drivers to consider the plight of roadworkers.

The Agency points out that caution on roads will not only keep drivers safe but will also go a long way in reducing the risk to thousands of employees who work to keep roads traversable and safe. In a country where there are nearly 20 million road users, it is crucial for drivers to pay close attention to safety and obey speed limits and road signs diligently.

Statistics for a five-year period show 11 deaths and approximately 100 instances of serious injuries resulting from accidents on arterial roads throughout England. Derek Turner of the Highways Agency, who is the Director for Network Operations, reiterated the need for improving the safety for nearly 4000 road workers in the UK. He added that by disregarding speed limits in road repair sites, drivers benefit only by a few seconds, and hence reducing their speeds to the prescribed limits will not affect their overall journey time. He pointed out that drivers definitely need to show some consideration and respect for the important service rendered by roadworkers.

The Agency has also deployed training vehicles, which are designed to enable employers to familiarize their employees with health and safety norms and ideal work practices. ‘Working Safely’ is for those staff who are exposed to common workplace hazards on a day to day basis and who need a basic grounding in the essentials of health and safety. The IOSH working safely programme is therefore especially suited to operatives within most organisations as it covers a broad range of common workplace hazards.