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Team Safety Briefing Brochure
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.
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.