Balfour Beatty Elevates Live Traffic as Fifth Fatal Risk in Construction

In a significant move to enhance safety in the construction industry, Balfour Beatty announced on April 28, 2025, the recognition of live traffic as a fifth fatal risk in construction. This initiative comes just ahead of Construction Safety Week 2025 and aims to address the unique hazards posed by vehicles traversing work zones. By expanding the focus beyond OSHA's long-established Fatal Four—falls, struck-by objects, electrocution, and caught-in/between—Balfour Beatty is taking a proactive stance in mitigating risks associated with live traffic.

Balfour Beatty's decision is based on a thorough analysis of industry data and internal safety reports, which revealed that live traffic represents a substantial threat to both construction workers and the public. According to statistics from the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 105,000 vehicle crashes occur in work zones each year, resulting in around 42,000 injuries. Furthermore, the Department of Transportation reported nearly 900 fatalities due to work zone crashes in 2024, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that between 94 and 143 construction workers lose their lives in vehicle incidents annually.

Richard Ryan, Balfour Beatty's Senior Vice President of Safety & Sustainability, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, "The statistics are staggering; construction workers in roadway work zones face life-threatening dangers every day from the driving public." He emphasized that elevating live traffic to a recognized fatal risk is a crucial step toward ensuring a safer environment for workers and the general public alike.

To actively eliminate risks associated with live traffic in work zones, Balfour Beatty has implemented a series of innovative strategies and advocacy measures:

Balfour Beatty's initiative aligns with its commitment to promoting safety during Construction Safety Week, which this year emphasizes the theme "All in Together." This theme encapsulates the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in maintaining safety on job sites.

Eric Stenman, Balfour Beatty's US President and CEO, remarked on the importance of this initiative, noting, "Acknowledging live traffic as a hazard in construction represents teammates’ unwavering commitment to our Zero Harm safety culture." He stressed the necessity of public involvement in this mission, urging drivers to "slow down, make room and help us save lives." According to Stenman, these simple actions can significantly reduce the risk of tragic incidents and ensure that workers return home safely each day.

As Balfour Beatty takes this bold step in recognizing live traffic as a critical safety risk, the construction industry may witness a paradigm shift in its approach to work zone safety. The company’s proactive measures and commitment to awareness and responsibility from both workers and motorists could serve as a model for others in the industry, ultimately fostering a safer environment for everyone involved.