The City of West Allis Public Works Department (DPW) developed a comprehensive "Traffic Control Safety Program" to supplement the Manual of Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidelines. Internal procedures were developed and implemented to ensure all DPW Divisions were in compliance with the federal guidelines. The program included the following components:
- Development and adoption of a Work Zone Safety policy;
- Delegating the responsibility for maintaining and providing regulatory signage, warning signs and other traffic controls devices for work zones to the Building and Sign Division;
- Using specific traffic control best practices that exceeded the MUTCD (i.e. the use of blocking vehicle, arrow panels, rear attenuators, etc.); and
- Upgrading and enhancing vehicle visibility.
Policy and Program recommendations were approved by the Executive Safety Committee and the City's Common Council. Work Zone Safety training was provided by CVMIC staff and the DPW training was provided by the City's Safety and Training Coordinator. This program created a safer work environment for the employees, reduced liability exposures, and minimized potential injury claims.
