NCHRP Synthesis 670: Reducing Serious Injuries and Fatalities Among State DOT Employees

State department of transportation (DOT) employees operate in dynamic, high-hazard environments. These conditions can lead to serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs), even when risks are rigorously identified. DOTs manage these risks through the safety programs they develop, implement, and maintain. A strong focus on eliminating SIFs not only protects employees but also strengthens safety culture, reduces workers’ compensation costs, and minimizes operational disruptions. DOTs often go beyond compliance-based safety measures to address SIFs, adopting proactive approaches to hazard recognition, employee engagement, fatigue management, and technology integration.

NCHRP Synthesis 670: Reducing Serious Injuries and Fatalities Among State DOT Employees, produced by TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, shares successful practices across state DOTs to accelerate the adoption of effective strategies and help DOTs collectively move toward the shared goal of zero SIFs. The synthesis examines data on factors contributing to SIFs, methods DOTs use to collect SIF information, and written practices focused on reducing SIFs. It also explores practices for assessing, managing, and mitigating employee fatigue and distraction; employee engagement and awareness of SIF-reduction training programs; and how individual states define SIFs and identify high-risk work activities and tasks. In addition, the synthesis examines technologies used to reduce the effects of equipment- and human-related factors that contribute to SIFs.

Infrastructure Assets: Highway Assets
Resource Types: Research Report
Capabilities: Organization & People
Management Processes: Performance Based Planning & Programming