Adopt-A-Road

Team Safety Briefing Brochure
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Welcome to the team!

• The Road Commission for Oakland County is pleased to welcome you to the Adopt-A-Road team.
• With your help, Oakland County's roadsides will stay clean and attractive for local motorists and visitors.
• This is an important job, and we want to make sure every step is taken to assure your safety and enjoyment.
• Please study these safety rules before each pickup activity

Adopt-A-Road safety rules

• Carpool to the site to reduce the number of vehicles on the roadside.
• All vehicles should be parked well off the right shoulder. Where possible, obtain permission to park in a nearby parking lot whenever possible.
• Parking along curves, on bridges, under overpasses or on medians is strictly forbidden.
• All occupants in vehicles should exit and enter the vehicle on the side away from traffic.
• Keep vehicles on the same side of the road as crew members.
• Work on only one side of the road at a time. when you are ready to go to the other side, get into the vehicle, and drive up to the opposite shoulder. DO NOT WALK ACROSS THE STREET!
• Knives, axes, etc are not to be used or carried by members.
• Don't overfill or compact trash bags if there are sharp objects in them. Your coordinator will give you as many bags as you need.
• Keep crew members together for better visibility to motorists.
• All members must wear their provided safety vests at all times during their cleanup.
• Be safe, but have fun!

General safety tips

• Highway traffic travels at high speeds, and most drivers don't expect to see crews working along the roadside. Be alert and use common sense at all times.
• Crew members should be in good health with good sight and hearing.
• Crew members must be at least 16 years of age, unless otherwise approved by your coordinator.
• One person should be designated crew leader to ensure safety rules are followed by everyone. Pick someone who will keep you honest.

Things to avoid

• Contact with poison ivy and other potentially troublesome weeds.
• Construction areas, mowing crews.
• Any contact with discarded needles or syringes.
• Any unknown materials or suspected toxic substances. Notify your Adopt-A-Road coordinator in case you come across any.
• Approaching animals, even dogs, on the road. Instead, call animal control or the Humane Society right away.

And don't forget to ...

• Always be aware of traffic and try to face it at all times.
• Do not work in bad weather.
• Work only in daytime.
• Bring water to drink on hot days.
• Have one person on hand specifically to watch traffic.
• Review safety guidelines before each planned pickup.
• Never walk onto the road. County crews are assigned to clean the roads.
• Wear gloves.
• Wear solid shoes and watch out for loose rocks that could cause you to slip.

In case of emergency

• Bring a first aid kit. Each member should have basic first aid skills.
• Know where the nearest hospital is in case of an accident.
• Be aware of any medical conditions or allergies of your partners in case medical treatment is required.
• When possible, use a vehicle that has a CB radio or car phone, or carry a cellular phone.
• Report any problems immediately to your Adopt-A-Road coordinator.

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