Utility Work Zone Safety Guidelines and Training: State-of-the-Art Synthesis and State-of-the-Practice Synthesis
APPENDIX III—SAMPLE SURVEYS AND DATA
QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY OF CURRENT UTILITY WORK ZONE PRACTICES OF CONTRACTORS AND UTILITY COMPANIES
The objective of this survey is to collect detailed information on agency standards, policies, and local guidelines for UTILITY WORK ZONE safety and traffic control. Collectively, these survey results will be used to determine the state of the practice in utility work zone traffic control. They will also be utilized in developing utility work zone safety and mobility guidelines for FHWA. Your response and input in this guideline development process is very important, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated. You may type directly onto this survey form and return it via mail, e-mail, or fax to the contact listed at the end of the form and return the survey as soon as possible.
1. Has your company established standards for traffic control in utility work zones?
Yes No
If Yes, please send a copy of the standards/guidelines to the address listed at the end of this survey, or if it is available online please provide the website where it can be obtained on the following line:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Does your company follow the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)?
Yes No
3. Does your company conduct periodic process reviews of its utility work zone programs?
Yes No
If Yes, how frequently? ________________________________________________________
4. Has your company established specific standards/guidelines for emergency traffic control in utility work zones?
Yes No
5. Does your company have different standards/policies for roadway work based upon work duration?
Yes No
If Yes, please check policy-specific durations as appropriate. (Check all that apply.)
1 hour or less 1-2 hours 2-4 hours 4-8 hours 8 hours or more Other(s): ____________________________________
6. Does your company have different standards/policies for roadway work based upon work location?
Yes No
If Yes, check as appropriate. (Check all that apply.)
On roadway On shoulder Above roadway Outside shoulder within ROW All of the above
7. Does your company have different standards/policies for roadway work based upon the type of work?
Yes No
If Yes, check all that apply.
Electric Gas Cable Phone Sanitary sewer Storm sewer Water main Traffic signals
Street lights Other(s): ____________________________________
8. Does your company have different standards/policies for roadway work based upon roadway type?
Yes No
If Yes, please check as appropriate.
Local roads Collectors Arterials Freeways All of the above
9. Does your company coordinate its utility work zone projects with other agencies or the public?
Yes No
If Yes, please check as appropriate.
State DOT Local/County Highway Agency Media Citizens Groups All of the above
10. Does your company have a standard traffic control plan for utility work zones?
Yes, one standard plan Yes, several standard plans based on project type No
11. If a worker has questions as to the appropriateness of a utility work zone traffic control plan, whom are they directed to contact? _______________________________________________________
12. Has your company personnel/contractors been involved in any utility work zone-related crashes, injuries, or fatalities in the past five years?
Yes No
If Yes, please provide a contact name, phone number, and e-mail address where further details may be obtained.
____________________________________________________________________
13. Has your company been involved in any tort liability cases in the past five years?
Yes No
If Yes, please provide a contact name, phone number, and e-mail address where further details may be obtained.
____________________________________________________________________
14. Has your company been subject to review and/or citation by the local Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?
Yes No
If Yes, please provide the most appropriate reason(s) (Check all that apply):
Non-conformance to MUTCD
Violation of OSHA safety training and education requirements
Violation of OSHA personal protective equipment requirements
Violation of OSHA general requirements
Other(s): ____________________________________
15. Does your company offer any training programs for utility work zone traffic control for contractors or employees?
Yes No
If Yes, please send a copy of the training materials to the address listed at the end of this survey or if it is available online, please provide the website where it can be obtained on the following line: ____________________________________________________________________
16. Do you require that traffic control personnel and flaggers be certified?
Yes No
Please list any certification programs available through your company or other agencies:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
17. What type of utility work does your company conduct? (Check all that apply.)
Electric Gas Cable Phone Sanitary sewer Storm sewer Water main Traffic signals
Street lights Other(s): ____________________________________
18. Your Name and Title: ______________________________________________
Company Name: __________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
Telephone No.: ___________________________________________________
Fax No.: ________________________________________________________
E-Mail: _________________________________________________________
Thank you for participating in this survey. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Please mail, e-mail, or fax your completed survey to:
Peter T. Savolainen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Wayne State University-Transportation Research Group
5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Room #2166
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 577-3766
Fax: (313) 577-3881
E-mail: savolainen@wayne.edu
Contractors and Utility Companies Survey Results
Has your company established standards for traffic control in utility work zones?
Yes 25 93% No 2 7%
Does your company follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)?
Yes 25 93% No 2 7%
Does your company conduct periodic process reviews of its utility work zone programs?
Yes 22 81% No 5 19%
Has your company established specific standards/policies based for:
Emergency traffic control in utility work zones?
Yes 17 63% No 10 37%
Roadway work based upon work duration?
Yes 16 59% No 11 41%
Roadway work based upon work location?
Yes 21 78% No 6 22%
Roadway work based upon the type of work?
Yes 9 33% No 18 67%
Roadway work based upon roadway type?
Yes 20 74% No 7 26%
Does your company coordinate its utility work zone projects with other agencies or the public?
Yes 23 85% No 4 15%
Does your company have a standard traffic control plan for utility work zones?
Yes 20 43% No 27 57%
If a worker has questions as to the appropriateness of a utility work zone traffic control plan, whom are they directed to contact?
Crew Supervisor 19 70% Safety Professional 23 85%
Have your company personnel/contractors been involved in any utility work zone-related crashes, injuries, or fatalities in the past 5 years?
Yes 12 44% No 15 56%
Has your company been involved in any tort liability cases in the past five years?
Yes 3 11% No 24 89%
Has your company been subject to review and/or citation by the local Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA)?
Yes 11 41% No 16 59%
Does your company offer any training programs for utility work zone traffic control for contractors or employees?
Yes 23 85% No 4 15%
Do you require that traffic control personnel and flaggers be certified?
Yes 14 52% No 13 48%
QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY OF CURRENT UTILITY WORK ZONE PRACTICES OF STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES
The objective of this survey is to collect detailed information on agency standards, policies, and local guidelines for UTILITY WORK ZONE safety and traffic control. Collectively, these survey results will be used to determine the state of the practice in utility work zone traffic control. They will also be utilized in developing utility work zone safety and mobility guidelines for FHWA. Your response and input in this guideline development process is very important, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated. You may type directly onto this survey form and return it via mail, e-mail, or fax to the contact listed at the end of the form and return the survey as soon as possible.
1. Has your agency established standards/guidelines for traffic control in utility work zones?
Yes No
If Yes, please send a copy of the standards/guidelines to the address listed at the end of this survey, or if it is available online please provide the website where it can be obtained on the following line:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Does your agency follow either the National or State version of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)?
Yes, National MUTCD Yes, State MUTCD No, neither version
3. Does your agency conduct periodic process reviews of its utility work zone programs?
Yes No
If Yes, how frequently? ________________________________________________________
4. Has your agency established acceptable delay thresholds for utility work zone projects?
Yes No
If Yes, what are these thresholds? ________________________________________________________
5. Has your agency established specific standards/guidelines for emergency traffic control in utility work zones?
Yes No
6. Who is responsible for reviewing and/or approving temporary traffic control at the utility work zones governed by your agency?
Traffic Engineer Permits Engineer Contractor Utility Company Other(s): __________________________________
7. Does your agency have different standards/policies for roadway work based upon work duration?
Yes No
If Yes, please check policy-specific durations as appropriate. (Check all that apply.)
1 hour or less 1-2 hours 2-4 hours 4-8 hours 8 hours or more Other: __________________________________
8. Does your agency have different standards/policies for roadway work based upon work location?
Yes No
If Yes, please check as appropriate.
On roadway On shoulder Above roadway Outside shoulder within ROW All of the above
9. Does your agency have different standards/policies for roadway work based upon the type of work?
If Yes, check all that apply.
Electric Gas Cable Phone Sanitary sewer Storm sewer Water main Traffic signals
Street lights Other(s): ____________________________________
10. Does your agency have different standards/policies for roadway work based upon roadway type?
Yes No
If Yes, please check as appropriate.
Local roads Collectors Arterials Freeways Sanitary sewer All of the above
11. Does your agency coordinate its utility work zone projects with other agencies or the public?
Yes No
If Yes, please check as appropriate.
Other municipalities Contractors/Utility Companies Media Freeways Citizens Groups All of the above
12. Does your agency have a standard traffic control plan for utility work zones?
Yes, one standard plan
Yes, several standard plans based on project type
No
13. Has your agency experienced any utility work zone-related crashes, injuries, or fatalities in the past five years?
Yes No
If Yes, how many such crashes in the past years?
____________________________________________________________________
14. Has your agency been involved in any tort liability cases related to utility work zone crashes, injuries, or fatalities in the past five years?
Yes No
If Yes, please provide a contact name, phone number, and e-mail address where further details may be obtained.
____________________________________________________________________
15. What is the approximate road mileage within your jurisdiction? ___________________________________________
16. Does your agency offer any training programs for utility work zone traffic control for contractors, employees, or utility companies?
Yes No
If Yes, please send a copy of the training materials to the address listed at the end of this survey or if it is available online, please provide the website where it can be obtained on the following line:
____________________________________________________________________
17. Do you require that traffic control personnel and flaggers be certified?
Yes No
Please list any certification programs available through your agency or other agencies:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
18. Does your agency provide real-time utility work zone information to motorists?
Yes No
If Yes, by what means does your agency provide this information. (Check all that apply.)
Radio
Television
Internet
Variable Message Signs
Other: _____________________
19. Your Name and Title: ______________________________________________
Company Name: __________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
Telephone No.: ___________________________________________________
Fax No.: ________________________________________________________
E-Mail: _________________________________________________________
Thank you for participating in this survey. Your help is greatly appreciated. Please mail, e-mail, or fax your completed survey to:
Peter T. Savolainen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Wayne State University-Transportation Research Group
5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Room #2166
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 577-3766
Fax: (313) 577-3881
E-mail: savolainen@wayne.edu
State DOTs Survey Results
Has your agency established standards for traffic control in utility work zones?
Yes 19 79% No 5 21%
Does your agency follow either the National or State version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for utility work zone traffic control?
Yes 24 100% No 0 0%
Does your agency conduct periodic process reviews of its utility work zone programs?
Yes 11 46% No 13 54%
Has your agency established acceptable delay thresholds for utility work zone projects?
Yes 6 25% No 18 75%
Who is responsible for reviewing and/or approving temporary traffic control at the utility work zones governed by your agency?
Traffic Engineer 9 38% Permits Engineer 14 58% Contractor 2 8% Utility Company 5 21%
Has your agency established specific standards/policies based for:
Emergency traffic control in utility work zones?
Yes 6 25% No 18 75%
Roadway work based upon work duration?
Yes 17 71% No 7 29%
Roadway work based upon work location?
Yes 22 92% No 2 8%
Roadway work based upon the type of work?
Yes 6 25% No 18 75%
Roadway work based upon roadway type?
Yes 19 79% No 5 21%
Does your agency coordinate its utility work zone projects with other agencies or the public?
Yes 19 79% No 5 21%
Does your agency have a standard traffic control plan for utility work zones?
Yes 18 75% No 6 25%
Have your agency personnel/contractors been involved in any utility work zone-related crashes, injuries, or fatalities in the past 5 years?
Yes 10 42% No 14 58%
Has your agency been involved in any tort liability cases in the past five years?
Yes 4 17% No 20 83%
Does your agency offer any training programs for utility work zone traffic control for contractors or employees?
Yes 17 71% No 7 29%
Do you require that traffic control personnel and flaggers be certified?
Yes 13 54% No 11 46%
Does your agency provide real-time utility work zone information to motorists?
Yes 6 25% No 18 75%
