A construction worker outside the safe work zone was fatally injured after a car travelling at an estimated 80 miles an hour (129 kilometers an hour) struck him from behind.

The incident took place on a transition road from an east/west interstate highway to a north/south interstate highway as the victim crossed over a concrete barrier into oncoming traffic. The construction worker — at the site to remove a drain cover — was wearing an orange reflective vest and hardhat when he jumped over the protective concrete barrier. He was running with his back to traffic when a driver who could not stop in time hit him from behind. The worker died later in hospital from head and chest injuries.

Fatalities like this serve as a reminder of how important it is to be aware of your surroundings. It also illustrates how important it is for employees working on streets and highways to use safe work zones set up to protect them from oncoming traffic. Review your company’s written procedures concerning safe work zones and speak to your supervisor if you have concerns or can suggest techniques that may increase employee compliance. Follow the safe work procedures and encourage other workers to do the same.