A flagger is a person who directs traffic around obstructions or obstacles in the road. The job of the flagger is to keep motorists and pedestrians safe alerting them to impending dangers. He also ensures the safety of road workers alerting motorists to their presence. Many flagger jobs are available in the construction industry, especially with road construction companies. The flagger could also be a state or federal employee who works with fire or police departments to help direct traffic during an emergency.
The flagger uses flags, signs, or hand signals to guide traffic when the road is blocked construction, potholes, fallen trees, or other obstructions. He holds a “Stop” sign or a red flag in front of traffic and signals the cars to come to a halt with his other hand. He changes to a “Slow” sign or moves his flag out of the way of traffic when it’s safe for the cars to move again. He also uses his free hand to wave cars forward. A flagger may also use a combination of flags and hand signals to warn drivers of potential hazards without requiring them to come to a complete stop.
Flaggers are usually stationed well in advance of the obstruction. They wear reflective clothing to make themselves more visible to drivers, as well as standard safety gear like hard hats and work boots. At night, the flagging site may be illuminated so that drivers can see the flagger and follow his signals.
Those interested in working as a flagger must be willing to work outside in a variety of conditions. They must be able to stand for long periods of time and be at ease dealing with the general public. Traffic is always a threat to flaggers and other road workers, so they should take all possible precautions to protect themselves and avoid accidents.
Many states require flaggers to complete American Traffic Safety Services Association-developed training programs (ATSSA). States that do not require ATSSA training may have their own programs run the State Highway Administration or other government agencies. Applicants must complete safety training and pass a written exam in order to be certified through these programs. While some businesses may hire people who have never been certified, the local government may not allow these people to work as flaggers in certain situations. Certification requirements vary widely outside of the United States, but many countries have training or certification programs similar to those developed ATSSA.