This document provides guidance for supervisors to discuss proper flagging procedures with work crews. It outlines that flaggers must be visible from 100 feet away, signal with STOP/SLOW paddles to stop or direct traffic, face traffic at all times, and remain alert. The document demonstrates proper flagging positions and signals, such as extending the STOP paddle horizontally to stop traffic. It stresses the importance of worker and driver safety, and recommends flaggers drink water, swap duties, and confirm all crew members understand flagging procedures through questions.

1. Construction Safety Talks
Flagging Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk.
Traffic: As a supervisor, you know that flagging is provided at work sites
Using A either to stop traffic intermittently or to maintain continuous traffic
Paddle flow past the work site at a reduced speed. Its purpose is to
protect both the motorist and the work crew.
No. 67
Signs need to be posted at least 100 feet before the flagger
notifying road users of the upcoming workzone. You need to
remind your crew that whenever they are the flagger, they must be
How This Talk visible at all times to approaching traffic far enough ahead to allow
Applies To My for enough time for the oncoming vehicles to respond. They must
Crew: also leave themselves time to get out of the way if the driver
doesn't respond to their signals. And they should always face
traffic.
Tell your crew that flaggers must be neat, courteous, patient, and
have a good sense of responsibility.
We use the following methods of signaling with the STOP/SLOW
paddle. (see the illustrations on the next page)
1. TO STOP TRAFFIC the flagger faces road users and aims
the STOP paddle face toward road users in a stationary
position with their arm extended horizontally away from the
body. The free arm shall be held with the palm of the hand
above shoulder level toward approaching traffic.
2. TO DIRECT TRAFFIC TO MOVE the flagger faces road
users with the SLOW paddle face aimed toward road users
in a stationary position with the arm extended horizontally
away from the body. The flagger shall motion with the free
hand for road users to proceed.
3. TO ALERT OR SLOW TRAFFIC the flagger faces road
users with the SLOW paddle face aimed toward road users
in a stationary position with the arm extended horizontally
away from the body. To further alert or slow traffic, the
flagger may motion up and down with the free hand, palm
down.
4. Be sure the correct side of the paddle is always towards the
traffic so as to not give the wrong message.
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2. 5. Warn all workers in the workzone when a vehicle fails to obey your signal. Only
then can you try to get the license number.
6. If for some reason you must leave your post, call for a replacement. Don't leave
the job unguarded.
7. Drink plenty of water.
8. Swap the flagger responsibilities among other employees so that the job doesn’t
get boring and they become less alert.
To Stop Traffic
Traffic Proceed
To Alert and Slow Traffic
Try This For Show And Tell!
Demonstrate the proper way to flag traffic and have every member of the crew prove to
you that they know how to do it.
Questions You Can Use To Get Them Talking:
• Have all of you been trained in flagging procedures?
• Should you face the traffic or the work site?
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3. • Has anyone ever had an accident - or know of one - involving flagging traffic?
Attended By:
The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at
the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the
appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 3