ALBANY — National Work Zone Awareness Week was kicked off with a news conference at the New York State Thruway Authority on April 20.
The event brought together state and local agencies with organized labor to emphasize a shared goal of roadside safety.
Each year, at the start of construction season, a week is dedicated to promoting work zone safety on a national scale.
This year’s theme, “Safe Actions. Save Lives,” reminds drivers to use extra caution and respect those who risk their lives to keep roads maintained and safe for travel.
Those who work for the state Department of Transportation, the New York State Thruway Authority, the New York State Bridge Authority and county and municipal public works, sanitation and highway departments have some of the most dangerous jobs among our union’s membership.
Hundreds of work zone intrusions occur each year in New York, drastically increasing the risk of injury or death for CSEA members and all roadside workers.
Capital Region 4 President Shana Davis recounted the death of Robert Bornt, president of the Rensselaer County, Department of Transportation (DOT) Residency Unit , who was struck by a vehicle in a work zone in Pittstown last year and later died from his injuries. Bornt’s death was a stark reminder that distracted driving in work zones can have deadly consequences.
Ensuring roadside workers go home safely at the end of each day was emphasized by each speaker at the event, including Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare, New York State Department of Transportation Assistant Commissioner Jim Rusak, and Major Brian Ferrone of State Police Troop T, as well as Mike Elmendorf of Associated General Contractors of New York and Michael Christopher of Teamsters Local 456.
“This week we raise awareness, but this mission doesn’t end after these five days,” said Davis.
Attendees also included CSEA Statewide Secretary Stacey Baldwin Deyo.
Our union has continually fought for legislation that increases work zone safety and protects members.
National Work Zone Awareness Week serves as a reminder to those on both sides of the orange cones that both legislation and education are vital to keeping work zones safe.
“As road work season begins, we continue to emphasize the importance of safe driving and speak up to protect all those who work on and near roadways,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Too often, a momentary distraction results in the death or injury of someone simply doing their job. As motorists, we must all remember to slow down, stay alert and move over. Behind every cone is someone with loved ones waiting for them to come home.”
— Alexandra Whitbeck
