Every year, thousands of workers in highway, street, and bridge construction are injured or killed on the job. For every fatality, there are many more non-fatal injuries: in 2021, an estimated 42,000 people were hurt in highway work zones (Source: CDC, 2024). Behind these numbers are stories of lives changed, projects delayed, and teams shaken.

While tragic, many of the most common and costly injuries—struck-by-vehicle incidents, caught-in/between accidents, and electrocutions—can be mitigated. The good news? With the right safety protocols and practical use of technology, these dangers can be markedly reduced.

That’s where a modern, tech-supported approach comes in. AI-powered video intelligence and real-time monitoring are now giving crews and safety leaders new ways to spot risks, enforce protocols, and intervene when risks are detected. In this guide, we’ll break down the 3 most common, avoidable injuries in highway, street, and bridge construction, explain what causes them, and show how human expertise, paired with smart technology, can keep every worker safer.

The Cost of Safety Negligence in Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

Safety shortcuts in highway, street, and bridge construction have serious consequences. The average OSHA penalty for serious incidents is $11,203, with the median at $5,839. The largest penalty in the past year reached $140,152—a reminder of the financial stakes. These penalties accompany lost lives, impacted families, and damaged organizational reputations.

Addressing risks before they escalate is always more effective—and less costly—than a reactive response. By enforcing proven safety programs and leveraging technology like Video AI, construction organizations can reduce the likelihood of these tragic incidents, protect their workforce, and steer clear of costly penalties.

The Top 3 Avoidable Injuries in highway, street, and bridge construction

1. Struck-by-Vehicle Incidents

Scenario: A crew is setting up lane closures on a high-traffic highway at dawn. Despite cones, a speeding pickup truck veers into the work zone, striking a flagger.

Root Causes & Impact: Struck-by-vehicle incidents are the deadliest risk in this sector—accounting for 50% of work zone fatalities, double the rate seen in other construction jobs (Source: NIOSH, 2020). Crashes into work zones are a regular occurrence. The main culprits? Driver distraction, high speeds (workers face an 85% fatality risk if hit by a truck at 45 mph), poor visibility, and inadequate barriers (Source: IIHS, 2024).

How video intelligence helps: AI-powered cameras can monitor live traffic flow, detect vehicles breaching barriers, and trigger real-time alerts when vehicles enter work zones. Video review also enables teams to analyze incidents and improve barrier placement for future projects.

2. Caught-in/Between Incidents

Scenario: A laborer is guiding a steel beam into place when a nearby excavator swings unexpectedly, pinning his leg against a barrier.

Root Causes & Impact: Caught-in/between events include trench collapses, equipment rollovers, and machinery accidents. Inadequate machine guarding, overlooked lockout/tagout, and poor communication are common factors. These incidents often lead to amputations, crush injuries, and fatalities.

How video intelligence helps: AI monitors can track proximity between workers and moving equipment, flag when workers enter restricted areas, and capture potential violations—helping supervisors intervene faster.

3. Electrocutions

Scenario: A crane operator, working near a power line, accidentally contacts it with a boom. The resulting arc flash injures two workers below.

Root Causes & Impact: Electrocutions often involve cranes or other equipment contacting overhead lines, as well as faulty wiring. These incidents are severe, often fatal, and can cause burns, or cardiac arrest.

How video intelligence helps: Video analytics can be trained to identify when equipment comes dangerously close to power lines or when work is happening in unapproved areas. Video review supports root-cause analysis and strengthens future training.

Obstacles and Impact of Injuries

How Technology Strengthens Safety

Struck-by-Vehicle Incidents

The pain point: While important, traffic control has limitations, as distracted drivers, speeding vehicles, and unpredictable patterns make work zones dangerous.

Tech Solution: Video analytics platforms like Spot AI provide live views of work zones. They can send real-time alerts if a vehicle enters a restricted area, allowing flaggers or supervisors to take timely action. Video data also supports after-action reviews, helping teams identify patterns and adjust barrier placement or signage for better protection.

Caught-in/Between Incidents

The limitation: Crews and machines need to work closely, but poor line of sight, noise, and changing layouts increase the risk of pinch points and crush injuries.

Tech Solution: Modern video platforms track the movement of people and equipment. If a worker enters a “no-go” zone near operating machinery, the system notifies operators or safety teams in real time. Over time, reviewing this data can show where risks are highest, guiding workflow improvements.

Electrocutions

The operational obstacle: Power lines and energized equipment are an ever-present risk, especially during heavy lifts and utility work.

Tech Solution: Video analytics can be programmed to recognize when cranes or aerial lifts approach overhead hazards. If a machine nears a power line, staff are alerted, allowing them to take action. This empowers crews to stop work and reposition to mitigate the risk.

Practical Implementation of Safety Technology

Integrating video intelligence into highway, street, and bridge construction sites is about empowering people, not replacing them. Video AI platforms like Spot AI work with most existing infrastructure. They’re easy to deploy and can be tailored to monitor specific hazards: traffic breaches, PPE compliance, machine operation, and more.

For best results:

• Map your risk areas: Identify where struck-by, or equipment hazards are highest.

• Align with current safety programs: Use AI to support (not replace) toolbox talks, audits, and compliance checks.

• Train your team: Make sure everyone knows how to respond to real-time alerts.

• Review and learn: Use historical footage to identify trends and reduce the likelihood of repeat incidents.

When evaluating solutions, look for:

• Compatibility with your current cameras and IT systems

• Customizable alert settings for your site’s unique risks

• Simple search and retrieval for incident investigations

The goal is to make safety the norm.

Strengthen your site safety program

Every mitigated incident means a crew goes home safe and a project stays on track. Technology is a powerful tool, and your commitment to safety makes the difference. If you’re ready to see how AI-powered video could support your safety goals, book a safety consultation with Spot AI’s experts. We’ll help you assess your risks, explore options, and build a plan for safer, smarter operations. Book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can AI cameras improve work zone safety?

AI cameras can detect barrier breaches, monitor compliance with PPE and fall protection, track worker proximity to equipment, and send real-time alerts for specific risks, like people entering restricted areas. They help safety teams respond faster and mitigate incidents.

What are the best practices for integrating safety technology on construction sites?

Start by mapping your highest-risk areas, then select technology that supports those needs. Train your staff on responding to alerts, and use video review for ongoing improvement. Integrate AI monitoring with existing safety meetings and audits for a holistic approach.

How to help document compliance with OSHA and industry standards using video technology?

Use video AI to document compliance with requirements like fall protection (OSHA 1926.501), work zone traffic controls (OSHA 1926.200–202), and PPE policies. Video records can support training, audits, and incident investigations.

What to look for in a video intelligence platform for construction safety?

Prioritize ease of integration, customizable alerts, secure data storage, and user-friendly search features. The platform should work with your current camera systems and be simple enough for your team to use daily.

How does technology support human-led safety programs?

AI cameras and analytics support safety leaders by providing better data, helping enforce rules, and enabling faster intervention. Technology empowers crews to address problems as they arise.

About the Author

Joshua Foster is an IT Systems Engineer at Spot AI, where he focuses on designing and securing scalable enterprise networks, managing cloud-integrated infrastructure, and automating system workflows to enhance operational efficiency. He is passionate about cross-functional collaboration and takes pride in delivering robust technical solutions that empower both the Spot AI team and its customers.