Next week's National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) spreads awareness of work zone safety across the country. You play a role in work zone safety, so work with us by joining in, April 17-21.
In 2020, 857 people were killed in 774 fatal work zone crashes, according to the most recent data available from workzonesafety.org. What many fail to recognize is the vast majority of people killed in work zone crashes are motorists and their passengers. In 2020, 117 of the 857 fatalities were work zone workers, making it all the more important for drivers to slow down and stay focused while approaching and passing through a roadway work zone.
Join in each day:
April 17 – Work Zone Safety Training Day
Companies are encouraged to pause during the workday for safety demonstrations, discussions about safety policies and other prevention steps to protect people in work zones.
April 18 – National kickoff event
The official NWZAW kickoff event will be live-streamed hosted by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), 10-11 a.m. CT, and held at the new I-70 westbound bridge over the Missouri River near Rocheport. Remember to finish planning your own event if you have one.
April 19 – Go Orange Day
Wear orange to proudly support work zone safety and the families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones. Post your orange pics on social media with #NWZAW and #Orange4Safety.
April 20 – Social media storm
Everyone is asked to share messages and use hashtags #NWZAW and #WorkZoneSafety throughout social media between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET. Social images developed by MoDOT and sample posts are available online.
April 21 – Moment of Silence
This new commemoration started in 2022 and encourages companies to join together for a moment of silence as a tribute to the people who lost their lives in a work zone incident.
Social media tips:
OSHA’s webinar about NWZAW:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is hosting a pre-event "lunch & learn” webinar on April 12, Noon-1 p.m., to promote NWZAW, share topical information and best practices and provide resources on how to conduct a stand down. ATSSA Vice President of Member Engagement Nate Smith will provide opening remarks and give an introduction on NWZAW. Register for the free webinar.
Tune in to Transportation Topics Radio:
To prepare for NWZAW, ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner will be on SiriusXM’s Transportation Topics Radio (Channel 146, “The Road Dog”) to discuss traffic safety and urge motorists to drive safer in work zones. Tune in to hear the broadcast with Tetschner on Saturday, April 15, 1-1:30 p.m. ET/10-10:30 a.m. PT, and Sunday, April 16, starting at Noon ET/9 a.m. PT.
Learn more at NWZAW.org/Participate.