Roadside Safety Checklist

DOT requires commercial vehicles carry three reflective triangles (49 CFR 393.95) placed at 10, 100, and 200 feet. OSHA mandates high-visibility safety apparel (Class 2 minimum, Class 3 preferred) for all roadside workers. Many states have additional Move Over laws requiring specific warning devices and distances. Service vehicles must have amber warning lights visible from 500 feet. Fire extinguisher (5 B:C minimum) and spare fuses are mandatory. Review current safety bulletins for updates. Insurance carriers often require enhanced equipment beyond minimums. Document all equipment inspections per maintenance standards.

Start with education about real risks - share statistics and near-miss stories. Implement progressive discipline: verbal warning, written warning, suspension, termination. Make safety compliance part of performance reviews and compensation. Use positive reinforcement through safety bonuses and recognition programs. Conduct surprise field audits to ensure compliance. Require signed acknowledgment of safety policies. Consider technology like GPS tracking and dash cameras for verification. Involve technicians in developing procedures to increase buy-in. Address the "it won't happen to me" mentality with survivor testimonials. Follow lockout/tagout enforcement as a model. Remember: one incident costs more than years of safety equipment and training.

Average roadside incident costs $75,000 in direct expenses, while fatalities average $1.4 million. Full safety program implementation costs approximately $2,500 per technician annually. One prevented incident pays for 30 technician-years of safety programs. Workers' comp premiums decrease 20-40% with clean safety records. OSHA recordables impact CSA scores and insurance rates. Safety-conscious companies see 50% lower turnover, reducing recruitment/training costs. Enhanced procedures reduce repair time 15% through organized workflows per our triage analysis. Customer confidence improves with visible safety protocols. Consider liability protection invaluable - proper documentation defeats 80% of lawsuits. Track metrics using cost analysis tools.

Refuse repairs when: vehicle position creates unavoidable exposure to traffic, weather conditions reduce visibility below 1/4 mile, location lacks adequate shoulder/safety zone, repair requires technician in traffic lane, single technician for complex/lengthy repairs, after any close-call or near-miss at location, customer refuses to pay for law enforcement assistance when needed, or technician feels unsafe for any reason. Document refusal reasons with photos/video. Offer immediate towing alternatives. No disciplinary action for safety-based refusals. Create clear go/no-go criteria in your protocols. Consider time of day, traffic volume, and repair complexity. Remember: explaining a tow bill is easier than explaining a fatality.

Establish relationships with state police and highway patrol before emergencies. Many agencies offer free traffic control for disabled commercial vehicles. Request assistance for: high-speed locations, limited visibility areas, left shoulder breakdowns, or extended repairs. Provide dispatch with exact location, vehicle description, and estimated repair time. Offer officers/agencies appreciation events and safety equipment donations to build goodwill. Understand Move Over law enforcement in your states. Some jurisdictions charge for extended assistance - budget accordingly. Create protocol agreements defining when to request help. Train dispatchers on emergency communication procedures. Always document law enforcement assistance for insurance and legal protection.

Document everything: arrival/departure times, exact location (GPS coordinates), weather/road conditions, safety equipment deployment (photos essential), all personnel present, repair procedures performed, any close calls or unsafe conditions, and customer interactions. Use timestamped photos showing warning device placement, work zone setup, and completion status. Record video of traffic conditions if concerning. Obtain driver signature on safety briefing acknowledgment. Complete detailed incident reports within 24 hours. Maintain equipment inspection logs proving proper maintenance. Archive dashcam/bodycam footage for 90 days minimum. Follow documentation standards in repair procedures. Store records for statute of limitations period (typically 2-3 years). Digital documentation systems provide better legal protection than paper.