Safety Tips
Remember
A roadway is a dangerous place to be. Every group member should possess these qualifications:- Mental alertness / good common sense
- Good physical condition, including sight and hearing
- Sense of responsibility for safety of self and others
- Supervision for workers under age 18
Plan Ahead
- Review safety precautions and take them seriously.
- Assign work teams and leaders before you reach the site. Distribute trash bags beforehand. Estimate the amount of time for your pickup and agree on a meeting place when you're done.
- Carpool to the site to reduce the number of vehicles along the road. Park vehicles off the roadway as far as possible and on the same side of the highway.
- Bring along an adequate first aid kit. Identify the nearest hospital and know how to get there in an emergency.
- Don't overexert yourself. Bring along a supply of drinking water and take breaks.
While You Work
- Work only during daylight hours during good weather.
- Work one side of the road at a time. Do not cross the road to get to your vehicle.
- Whenever possible, face oncoming traffic. Stay alert and be prepared to move out of the way in an emergency.
- Stay with your team.
- Do not wear headsets, which could prevent you from hearing traffic or other hazards.
- Do not crush collected trash to make more room in the bag; broken or jagged objects could cause accidental injuries.
- Do not pick up syringes or hypodermic needles. Please report them to Blue Earth County for disposal.
- Do not horse around or do anything to purposely distract drivers.
What to Avoid
- Stay away from construction sites, mowing activities, open water, bridges, overpasses, or retaining walls that could be dangerous for workers.
- Avoid poison ivy or other noxious weeds.
- Stay away from recently applied herbicides.
- Never try to pick up heavy, large, or hazardous materials. Notify Blue Earth County for pickup.
What to Wear
- Heavy gloves
- Heavy leather shoes or boots
- Light colored clothing / brightly colored cap
- Hat and long sleeves to prevent sunburn
- High-visibility vests
- Sunscreen and insect or tick repellent
Note: Adopt-A-Highway is a public service program for volunteers to pick up litter along Blue Earth County highways. For more information, contact Blue Earth County Highway Department at (507) 304-4025.
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Ryan Thilges
Public Works Director
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Public Works / Parks
Physical Address
35 Map Dr.
Mankato, MN 56001
Mailing Address
P.O. 3083
Mankato, MN 56002-3083
Phone: (507) 304-4025Fax: (507) 304-4049
Hours
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Monday - Friday