CONDUCTING ROADWORK

Evidence of WASA at work along our roadways is one of the more visible aspects of the Authority's work. This type of work can pose other hazards that affect not only workers, but also the public. Unless special precautions are taken, pedestrians can fall into trenches or drown in holes that can be as deep as nine feet and filled with water. Preventative measures include:

• Warning signs and yellow caution tape surrounding the danger area
• Workers are now required to backfill all open trenches at the end of each day's work so that no trench is left open overnight.
• Motorists need to be warned ahead of time with signs and road cones.
• In order to make signs visible at night, cones must be lighted and reflective paint used to enhance visibility.
• Police and/or traffic control workers give directions where necessary.
• Heavy vehicles including backhoes, trucks and cranes, must be positioned in such a way to prevent danger to persons or vehicles in the area.
• Spoils removed from the trench must not be piled where they can create a nuisance or hazard to pedestrians or traffic.

Prior to any roadwork, a lot of planning is undertaken. An early evaluation of the site is executed to determine the best safety measures to use. Advisories are issued through the media, warning road users of planned work. Sometimes alternative traffic arrangements may need to be made.

Workers on site are always provided with fluorescent safety vests while highly visible signage is utilised so that they too, can be easily seen. If the trench is more than five feet deep, a ladder is provided for safe exit in addition to trenching, to keep walls from collapsing.