REMEMBER
A
Highway is a dangerous place to be. Every
crew member should possess the following
qualifications:
At least 12 years of age, unless written
permission is obtained from the Otter Tail
County Highway Department.
Mentally alert; good common sense.
Good physical condition, including sight
and hearing.
Sense of responsibility for safety of self
and others.
Adult supervision for workers under age
18.
PLANING
AHEAD
Review safety precautions and take them
SERIOUSLY.
Assign work teams and leaders before you
reach the site. Distribute trash bags beforehand.
Estimate the amount of time for your pick
up and agree on a meeting place when you’re
done..
Carpool to the site to reduce the number
of vehicles along the Highway. Park
vehicles on approaches. Use
approaches in advance of the work area and
on the same side of the highway that crews
are working.
Bring along an adequate first-aid kit. Identify
the nearest hospital and know how to get
there in case of an emergency.
Do not over exert yourself. Bring along
a supply of drinking water and take breaks.
WHAT
TO WEAR
Heavy gloves.
Heavy leather shoes or boots.
Light-colored clothing, brightly colored
cap.
High-visibility vests.
Caps or hats and long sleeves for sunburn.
Use sunscreen, insect or tick repellent.
WHILE YOU ARE WORKING
Work only during daylight hours during good
weather.
Work one side of the Highway at a time.
Do not cross the Highway to get to your
vehicle.
Whenever possible, face oncoming traffic.
Stay alert and be prepared to move out of
the way in an emergency. Stay with your
team.
Do not wear headsets which could prevent
you from hearing traffic or other hazards.
Do not crush collected trash to make more
room in the bag. Broken or jagged objects
could cause accidental injuries.
Never try to pick up heavy, large or hazardous
materials. Do not risk handling needles,
weapons, dead animals or potentially infectious
waste. Do not put needles into the trash
bag as they can easily puncture the bag
and cause serious injury. Notify the Otter
Tail County Highway Department for disposal.
Do not play around or do anything to purposely
distract drivers.
WHAT
TO AVOID
Stay away from construction sites, mowing
activities, open water, bridges, overpasses
and retaining walls that could be dangerous
for pedestrians.
Avoid poison ivy or other noxious weeds.
Stay away from recently applied herbicides.
Never attempt to pick up heavy, large or
hazardous materials. Notify the Otter Tail
County Highway Department for pick up.
Never open containers of any kind. Dangerous
chemicals can be harmful if inhaled or contacted
in any way.
