National Work Zone Awareness Week: A Critical Reminder for the Construction Industry
Each April, the nation observes National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW)—a time to recognize the critical importance of safety for roadway workers and motorists alike. For professionals in the construction industry, this week serves as both a solemn reminder and a call to action: work zones save lives when managed correctly, but they can also be high-risk environments if proper precautions aren’t taken.
The Realities of Work Zone Safety
According to the Federal Highway Administration, hundreds of lives are lost annually in work zone crashes, with thousands more injured. Most victims are motorists, but construction workers are also at great risk—especially those working on or near active roads.
Distractions, speeding, and disregard for signage are just a few of the factors that contribute to these accidents. In a time when infrastructure projects are ramping up nationwide, prioritizing safety in and around construction zones has never been more urgent.
What This Means for the Construction Industry
Contractors, builders, and developers must lead the way when it comes to work zone safety. This includes:
- Conducting regular job site hazard assessments
- Training crews on situational awareness and emergency response
- Ensuring proper use of high-visibility apparel and signage
- Partnering with safety consultants or risk advisors to implement best practices
Proactively addressing these measures not only protects your crew but also limits liability and protects your bottom line.
“Work zone safety isn’t just a box to check for contractors managing active sites—it’s a culture that must be built from the top down. It’s essential that ownership clearly communicates their top priority: ensuring every employee works on sites where they can be productive and confident they’ll return home safely at the end of each day,” said Andy Guzenski, Construction Practice Group Leader at CMR Risk & Insurance Services.
Let’s Work Together to Make Every Zone a Safe Zone
If you’re a contractor, builder, or construction manager looking to strengthen your work zone safety practices, CMR is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.
