Beautification

Because volunteers are so important to the Trash-Off program, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) suggests that certain safety measures be taken and offers other safety tips to Trash-Off participants. The following list is a SUMMARY of the safety tips offered by ODOT revised from ODOT’s "Adopt-A-Highway" program.

REQUIREMENTS:

REMEMBER: You are working in a dangerous environment a public highway.

Crew members should possess the following minimum qualifications:

1. Good common sense
2. Good physical condition, including sight and hearing
3. Mental alertness
4. A sense of responsibility for the safety of the public and crew
5. Must be at least 15 years old

SAFETY TIPS:

• Knives, machetes, axes, etc., should not be carried by crew members.
• Do not attempt to compact (squeeze) trash sacks to gain room for more trash. Injuries from broken or jagged objects often result from this practice.
• Fill the sack with what goes in easily and then get another bag.
• Park all vehicles well clear of the roadway and at least ten feet from the shoulder’s surface.
• Keep vehicles on same side of the highway as volunteers.
• Work one side of highway at a time. Car pool to site to reduce number of vehicles.

TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS, DO THE FOLLOWING:

• Whenever possible, face oncoming traffic while you work. Be prepared to move out of the way of vehicles in an emergency.
• Discontinue work in inclement weather, especially in times of reduced visibility and wet/icy roads.
• Work during daylight hours ONLY.
• Avoid overexertion. Drink plenty of water, especially on warm, humid days.
• Post a lookout to be aware of traffic situations.
• Have a refresher session on safety awareness each time a crew goes out.
• Do not cross traveled sections of roadway.
• Avoid using headsets! Headsets will interfere with hearing oncoming traffic or other potential hazards.

WHAT TO WEAR:

• Wear light-colored clothing and safety vest at all times when working on the highway right-of-way.
• Wear heavy gloves. Do not pick up discarded syringes or hypodermic needles.
• Watch your footing and wear substantial leather shoes or boots with ankle support. Stay off riprap and steep slopes.
• Wear a hat and long sleeves to avoid sunburn. On sunny days, you may wish to use sunscreen on exposed skin.

SOME THINGS TO STAY AWAY FROM:

• Do not touch or attempt to remove known or suspected toxic/hazardous substances. Notify the Department of Transportation or the local Police with the location of such items immediately.
• Be alert! Avoid areas where snakes may hide, such as tall grass, old logs, or heaps of brush. Be equally alert for stinging insects and especially fire ants.
• Avoid contact with poison ivy, poison oak and other noxious weeds.
• Avoid areas where herbicides have been applied the same day.
• Do not attempt to pick up items on bridges, in tunnels, or on overpasses. These areas are especially dangerous to pedestrian workers.
• Stay well clear of all mowing, maintenance, or construction activities.
• Do not enter roadway or shoulder areas, paved or unpaved, to pick up trash.