Summary Statement

A handout describing dangers of working in a highway workzone at night and special precautions that should be taken such as providing clear signage and increasing lighting. Part of a collection. Click on the 'collection' button to access the other items.

This document is one in a program produced under an OSHA grant by a consortium of the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund N.A, the International Union of Operating Engineers, the American Road and Transportation Builders Assn, and the National Asphalt Pavement Assn. All of the documents from this set that are on eLCOSH can be found by clicking on Job Site, Heavy construction, and scrolling to the Street & highway heading. Or to download a complete version of the computerized program, go to https://www.workzonesafety.org/.

What Are the Special Challenges?
Night operations change the work environment.

On the worksite
  • Poor visibility for motorists
  • Poor visibility for workers
  • Communication between shifts
  • Impaired or drowsy drivers
Physical and social disruptions
  • Sleep disruption
  • Risk of injury from drowsiness
  • Impaired family or social relationships


How Can We Protect Ourselves at Night?
Use SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS at the site for night work.

Increase visibility
  • Retro-reflective clothing
  • Flashing lights on body/clothing
  • Retro-reflective tape on equipment
  • Good work area lighting
Know your surroundings
  • Vehicle and equipment paths
  • Assigned work areas
  • Safe paths to/from work locations
  • On foot, watch out for equipment
  • On equipment, watch for workers


How Can We Protect Ourselves at Night?
Use SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS at the site for night work.

Provide clear signage
  • Position signs for best visibility
  • Use changing message/arrow signs
  • Space drums, cones closer
  • Proper lighting, contrast work lights from warning lights
Inspect traffic control setup
  • Inspect frequently
  • Test drive to highlight problems
How Can Our Health Habits Help?
Night work is not normal. You must compensate.

On the worksite
  • Eat protein-rich meals, avoid sugars and fats
  • Drink water, avoid caffeine
At home
  • Make sleep a priority
  • Follow a pre-sleep routine
  • Have light snack before bed
  • Keep daylight out
  • Eat family meals together
  • Plan daytime social activities