This paper gives an overview of a program in the City of Hampton, Virginia, which was designed to improve work zone safety at all levels. Recognizing the need that construction and maintenance work setups by City, utility, and contractor crews needed major improvement, the Traffic Engineering and Operations Division of the Department of Public Works developed a comprehensive in-house training program on work zone safety. A 16-hour, multi-day training course was developed with the primary course reference being Part 6 of the MUTCD and the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual. Supplemental materials on risk management, legal liability, local requirements, and sample problems are included as part of the course. In addition to the classroom instruction, all course attendees are required to participate in a team field exercise where they setup a full work zone. The course concludes with a written examination to test the participants understanding of the course. All who pass the exam receive a certificate. To maintain the long term emphasis on work zone safety, all participants who attend the 16-hour course are required to attend a one-half day refresher course every two years. This mini-course covers the basic principles of work zone safety and also provides a means of keeping everyone abreast of the latest updates. With the successes gained from the in-house training course, a free one-day workshop was developed specific to contractors and utility companies. This classroom only course covers the basic principles of work zone safety. This training program has resulted in an increased awareness of work zone safety on City streets, which has enhanced the safety of both workers and the driving public.
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