A new milestone for the A23 Handcross to Warninglid widening project
Workers on the A23 Handcross to Warninglid major project have achieved a significant safety milestone - they have worked more than one million hours without a single accident.
The achievement has been made by the 170-strong workforce who have been involved with the scheme since construction started in June 2012.
The A23 is being widened between Handcross to Warninglid to create additional capacity, which is vital to building the UK economy. More than 400 lane miles will be added to the country’s busiest roads by 2021 as part of the government’s £15.1 billion investment.
Chris Bacon, Highways Agency Project Manager said:
Safety has always been a top priority for the Highways Agency and its contractors. This is a big milestone and shows the dedication the team have to health and safety as they work around the clock, often just feet from live traffic.
Road users also have their part to play and I would like to thank drivers for their continued patience while we improve the A23. I would also like to remind drivers that they have a part to play in keeping the workforce safe by driving safely.
Carillion, the contractor carrying out the improvements, have introduced a range of measures to help improve safety:
- one initiative is a device that attaches to a hard hat and vibrates when near operational machinery and equipment to alert workers to the danger
- a simple yet effective introduction was the ‘Thumbs Up’ practice that means workers must obtain a thumbs up from a driver before passing plant
- the workforce are encouraged to report potential hazards so that the risk of injury can be reduced or eliminated
To reduce the risk of incidents, drivers approaching roadworks are asked to:
- keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety
- get into the correct lane in good time - don’t keep switching lanes
- concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
- be alert for works traffic leaving or entering roadworks
- keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front
- observe and comply with all signs - they are there to help you
- and be alert for road workers, the roads are their workplace
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer