Flagger Operations and Positioning

Why it matters

The flagger is the only traffic control device with a heartbeat, standing where drivers look last and closest to the cars. OSHA requires flaggers to use STOP/SLOW paddles, high-visibility gear, and signaling that matches the MUTCD. Position and escape route decide whether a bad driver ruins your day or ends it. Today: where to stand, how to signal, and when to bail.

Hazards

• ⚠ Being struck by inattentive or aggressive drivers
• ⚠ Standing in the lane instead of on the shoulder
• ⚠ No escape route planned when a vehicle fails to stop
• ⚠ Signals confused between paddle, hands, and radio
• ⚠ Low visibility: dawn, dusk, dust, rain, and sun glare
• ⚠ Fatigue and distraction during long, boring rotations

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ STOP/SLOW paddle, not flags, as the primary device, held high and steady.
• ✓ Stand on the shoulder at your station, visible from the required distance, never in the open lane except to signal as trained.
• ✓ Plan your escape route before the first car and keep it clear all shift.
• ✓ Class-appropriate high-visibility apparel, day rated or night rated for the hours worked.
• ✓ Radios or agreed signals between paired flaggers; confirm before releasing traffic.
• ✓ Never turn your back on approaching traffic, and never use the phone on station.
• ✓ Rotate flaggers to stay sharp, and pull everyone in when visibility drops below the plan minimum.

Crew discussion questions

1. Where exactly do our flaggers stand at this site, and what is behind them?
2. What is the escape route at each station?
3. How do our paired flaggers confirm before releasing a direction?
4. Have we had drivers run the paddle here? What happened?

Applicable OSHA standards

29 CFR 1926.201

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