On the lookout: KDOT workers have each other’s back

Equipment Operator Senior Rocky Lindgren from Salina, flags traffic in an active work zone. 

Whether a KDOT employee has worked on the highway for one day or 40 years, work zone safety is a top priority and a team effort. 

Equipment Operators at KDOT say they are constantly looking over their shoulders watching for traffic and guarding their safety while working on the roads. Terry Shank, Equipment Operator Senior in Salina, explained how crucial it is that they pay attention to traffic and don’t lose focus, or they could get hurt. 

“When you flag, you take turns with other workers to prevent fatigue,” said Rocky Lindgren, Equipment Operator Senior in Salina. “This prevents mental fatigue and loss of focus while on the job.”

Do you ever approach a work zone and wonder why so many trucks are needed? 

The trucks following a spray patch operation drive over the patches to pack in the loose gravel but that’s only one of the reasons they are there — they also help keep workers safe.

“Trucks are there to alert traffic of a work zone and to make sure traffic gets over in time, so workers can remain safe,” said Kort St. Clair, Highway Maintenance Supervisor in McPherson. “If the operators in the trucks notice something of concern they can warn their coworkers ahead of time.”

Crews in north central Kansas fill potholes using the spray patching technique.

“We look out for one another,” said Tim Frederiksen, Equipment Operator in Salina. “We watch to make sure someone doesn’t step too far over into the traffic while working and they do the same for us."

It is imperative that traffic move over to allow workers the room they need while working.  KDOT workers want to go home safe and they want the same for their coworkers.

KDOT employees ask that all drivers put away distractions, slow down and pay attention while driving through work zones. One mistake could cost them their life. That phone call or text can wait.