To become a construction flagger, you must first complete a training course and then pass an exam leading to flagger certification. The requirements to become a certified flagger vary by region, so it’s a good idea to check regional requirements before enrolling in a class to make sure it’ll meet your needs. Once certified, flaggers must renew their certifications on a regular basis to stay current. A construction flagger with additional training in occupational health and safety may be more employable.
Traffic around construction sites is coordinated and controlled by construction flaggers. This necessitates the ability to manage traffic by signaling traffic, communicating with other flaggers, and erecting signs, cones, and other devices to alert people that construction is underway and that they should slow down and wait for directions. To communicate with one another and with traffic, construction flaggers use hand signs, road signs, and radios. People who take a construction flagger course will learn about the equipment and how to use it safely.
There are no prerequisites for attending a course, and construction experience is not required to work as a construction flagger. The majority of courses are only one day long. The course will cover self-flagging as well as construction worker occupational safety, including safety procedures, equipment, and how to respond to emergencies. Any rules and regulations pertaining to flagging work will be discussed in class to ensure that students understand them. Students must pass a written exam at the end of the test.
A prospective construction flagger can begin applying for jobs after obtaining certification. Flaggers are in high demand among construction companies and government agencies. Because the work is relatively unskilled, pay remains low. With time and experience, a flagging crew leader can rise through the ranks and gain more seniority. People who work as flaggers may go on to work on construction crews in other capacities or in fields such as occupational health and safety.
Some businesses will hire uncertified workers. The company will either provide or pay for training so that new hires can work in the field safely. Other benefits that companies typically provide include access to work gear such as brightly colored safety uniforms, reflective badges, and other design features that make flaggers highly visible while on the job.