KCRC Honors Work Zone Awareness Week

The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) is proud to recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which runs April 15 through 19, with special events, educational opportunities and community outreach efforts. This year’s theme is, “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever,” emphasizes the critical importance of making responsible decisions when behind the wheel.

“Road construction has begun, and we want to raise awareness about the vulnerability our employees face when working in the roadway,” said Jerry Byrne, KCRC’s managing director. “Everyone of us plays a part in promoting and exercising safe practices when in and around work zones. Our goal is to ensure that everyone returns home safely.”

The week’s special activities include:

Monday, April 15 – Work Zone Safety Training Day

As part of KCRC’s continuous commitment to safety, supervisors and field staff will conduct reviews of work zone safety protocols. Furthermore, they will recognize and commend employees for consistently upholding safe practices within these work zones.

Tuesday, April 16 – Annual Third Grade Work Zone Safety Poster Contest

Aligned with the NWZAW national kick-off event, KCRC announces the eighth annual Third Grade Work Zone Safety Poster Contest. Third-grade students who live or attend school in Kent County, Michigan, are asked to design a “caution sign” that focuses on safety tips for driving through a work zone: stay focused/avoid distractions; obey flaggers and work zone signs; and slow down, move over.

All participants receive a certificate of appreciation, and winners receive a metal replica of their design. Participating agencies include the Kent County Road Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation and the cities of East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Walker and Wyoming.

Wednesday, April 17 – Go Orange Day

Joining road safety professionals throughout the country, KCRC administrative employees will wear orange and high visibility clothing in support of coworkers who brave the challenges of working alongside the traveling public.

Thursday, April 18 – Social Media Storm

KCRC will join nationwide social media outreach effort to create posts related to work-zone safety and use the hashtags #NWZAW and #WorkZoneSafety.

Friday, April 19 – Moment of Silence

KCRC complexes will gather for a moment of silence before deploying to jobsites to honor the individuals who lost their lives in a work zone incident.