Work zone traffic safety – FAQ

Work zone traffic safety is a measure implemented to ensure the safety of both road users and workers when working on or near public roads. This can include signposting, traffic routing, physical security and other regulation of traffic.

Training is required for anyone who is to carry out work on or along public roads. This includes, among others:

– Workers carrying out physical work in or near the roadway.
– People who install, maintain or remove signs.
– Traffic conductors.
– Persons responsible for work zone traffic safety.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration offers three main courses:

Course 1: For anyone working on or along roads, including sign responsibility and simple tasks.
Course 2: For those responsible for planning and submitting applications.
Course 3: For those directing traffic.

According to Road Standard N301, all workers performing tasks on roads must have appropriate training in work zone safety. This requirement applies to all work on national and county roads, regardless of whether the work is paid or unpaid.

Road Standard N301, “Work on and near roads,” is a handbook from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration that provides guidance and requirements for conducting work on and near public roads to ensure the safety of both workers and road users. It supplements other road standards (such as N300 and N303) with specific rules for warning and securing work zones on roads.

Yes. Employers are obligated to document that employees have completed the necessary training in accordance with the Working Environment Act and the Construction Client Regulations. This also applies to temporary and substitute workers.

Most courses (Course 1 and Course 2) are valid for 5 years. After this period, the course must be renewed.

The regulations for work zone traffic safety are based on the Road Traffic Act and the Sign Regulations.

Lack of training can lead to serious accidents, fines or work stoppages. The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration can carry out inspections, and companies that do not comply with the requirements may be subject to orders or fines.

The courses can be conducted as a digital classroom (webinar) with an approved instructor.

The employer has the primary responsibility for ensuring that employees have the correct training. At the worksite, there is typically a person responsible for work zone safety who has operational responsibility for proper implementation according to the approved safety plan.

No, the requirements for work zone safety primarily apply to work on or related to public roads. On private property or roads without public traffic, the same requirements do not apply, but good safety measures are still recommended.

A work zone traffic safety plan is a detailed plan that shows how roadworks are to be warned and secured. It should include a sketch or map showing where the work will take place and which signs and markings will be used.

Work zone traffic safety course 1: Suitable for employees and contractors who will be working on or near roads.
Work zone traffic safety course 2: Suitable for managers and people with more responsibility for the work zone traffic safety plan.

You will normally receive a reply within 15 working days. The reply will be sent to the mailbox in Altinn and to the contact person, responsible contractor and responsible person by e-mail.

The sign authority approves the work zone safety plan when it is satisfactory and at the same time makes the necessary decisions on traffic regulations. The approval/decision must also state that the responsibility for implementing the work safety plan is transferred to the performing organisation.