Roadside Workers Deserve Better Protection—Here’s Why This Legislation Matters

"From first responders to construction workers, those working alongside major roads face numerous dangers on the job." Source: WorkersComp.com
The recent bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) is a welcome step toward improving the safety and compensation of workers who operate along roadways. These workers, including utility crews, highway construction teams, and emergency responders, are disproportionately exposed to on-the-job risks. In 2022 alone, over 1,000 such workers were killed in traffic-related incidents, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number has risen steadily over the past decade, underscoring a systemic failure to protect these essential workers. ### The Growing Risk for Roadside Workers The data is sobering. Roadway-related occupational fatalities account for more than 15% of all work-related deaths in the U.S., with over 60% of these involving workers positioned in or near traffic zones. These figures are not just tragic—they’re also costly. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), each on-the-job fatality in the construction and utility sectors costs an average of $1.2 million in workers’ compensation and related claims. Multiply that by hundreds of incidents annually, and the economic toll becomes staggering. ### What the New Legislation Could Achieve The proposed legislation seeks to address three core areas:
  1. Enhanced visibility standards: Mandating the use of high-visibility gear and signage for all roadside workers, which studies show can reduce fatality risk by up to 30%.
  2. Training and certification: Requiring formal training in traffic control and hazard recognition for all workers in high-risk roles, a move supported by 78% of safety advocates surveyed in 2023.
  3. Workers’ compensation adjustments: Adjusting insurance classifications and premiums to better reflect the real risks faced by roadside workers, ensuring they receive fairer compensation in the event of injury or death.
### A Business Case for Change Beyond the moral imperative, there is a compelling business case for these reforms. For businesses, reducing the frequency and severity of on-the-job injuries leads to lower workers’ compensation premiums, fewer liability claims, and improved employee retention. According to a 2021 analysis by the Insurance Information Institute, firms with robust safety programs see up to 25% lower insurance costs over a five-year period. For insurers, the legislation could also help stabilize the workers’ compensation market. By reducing the number of high-severity claims, carriers may see a moderation in premium volatility and long-term liability exposure. ### Conclusion: A Step Toward Safer Workplaces The proposed legislation is not a silver bullet, but it is a necessary evolution in how we value and protect roadside workers. As the U.S. continues to invest in infrastructure, it is time to ensure that those building and maintaining it are not paying the ultimate price. With bipartisan support and a strong data foundation, this bill has the potential to set a new national standard for worker safety—and to redefine the expectations of businesses, insurers, and policymakers alike.