What is the role of flaggers in work area protection?

• A. To warn traffic when necessary.
• B. To install signs at the far end of the work zone.
• C. To monitor traffic for a long period after completion.
• D. To manage detour routes unrelated to the current site.

Answer: (A)

Flaggers protect workers by providing direct, real-time traffic control in the work area. Their primary role is to alert drivers, slow or stop traffic as needed, and guide vehicles safely around the site so workers have a clear, safe space to perform tasks. They rely on clear hand signals or stop/slow paddles and wear high-visibility clothing to be seen and understood. Tasks like installing signs at the far end of the work zone, monitoring traffic after the job is done, or managing detours unrelated to the current site aren’t the flagger’s responsibilities; those are handled by other parts of the traffic control plan.