Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation held its annual Work Zone Safety Conference on April 5th, 2019 at Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ. This conference promotes work zone safety awareness in local and state roadways for an integrative audience of construction, engineering, public safety, and maintenance and operations personnel.
As part of the program each year, Rutgers CAIT presents the New Jersey Work Zone Safety Excellence Award. Derrick Wade, Foreman at Crisdel Group, Inc., was this year’s recipient. He was recognized for inspiring efforts demonstrated in effective temporary traffic control. Derrick has over 20 years’ experience performing closures on some of the most dangerous highways in New Jersey. His knowledge and experience provide a safer environment for all that work around him. Derrick’s implementation of safety protocols serves as a great example to all members of our team.
In addition to the award ceremony, this year’s event featured a presentation on OSHA compliance for work zone safety inspections; an in-depth review of personal protective equipment, which included the most recent revisions by the ANSI; and a segment on data-driven decision making for smarter work zones. A keynote presentation was delivered by a retired Pennsylvania State Police Trooper who survived a horrific struck-by crash. Discussions included dangers that all road workers are exposed to on a daily basis, and the use of drones in work zones to increase safety when engaged in road work projects.
We appreciate this opportunity to collaborate with our colleagues and look forward to attending next year’s Work Zone Safety Conference.
Pictured from left to right: Christopher Lubertowicz, Health & Safety Manager; Joseph Scerbo, Training Director Local 472; Derrick Wade, Foreman; Michael Harris, Head Traffic Control Coordinator/Shop Steward; and David Maruca, Project Manager NJLTAP CAIT