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.