Flaggers at Work: Protecting People, Projects, and Progress
What is a Flagger?
A flagger—also known as a Traffic Control Person (TCP), flagman/flagwoman, or Lane Closure Technician (LCT) – plays a vital role in ensuring safety wherever traffic must be managed due to construction, utility work, or special events like festivals and sporting events.
Flaggers are trained professionals responsible for setting up and managing temporary traffic control zones. This includes physically deploying and removing traffic control devices such as cones, barricades, signs, and digital message boards to safely reroute or slow down traffic.
Key Responsibilities of a Flagger:
- Ensuring public safety by directing, slowing, or stopping traffic around work zones or events.
- Communicating clearly with drivers using hand signals, signage, or stop/slow paddles.
- Protecting workers and motorists by maintaining a safe flow of traffic through or around the work zone.
- Coordinating with work crews to minimize disruptions and adjust traffic control measures as needed.
A flagger is often the first point of contact between the public and a work zone, making professionalism, awareness, and attention to safety critical to the role.
Training for Traffic Control Personnel
After being hired, ATS Traffic’s flaggers must complete formal training and certification that meets local or provincial regulations. This typically involves a recognized flagger training course covering key topics such as work zone safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), proper signaling procedures, and how to set up and manage traffic control devices. In Canada, for example, provinces like Alberta and British Columbia require certification through approved providers, with refresher courses required every few years. Training emphasizes situational awareness, communication skills, and understanding traffic patterns to ensure the safety of both workers and the public. Some employers may also provide additional site-specific training or mentorship to prepare new flaggers for real-world conditions.
Upon receiving traffic control certifications, our Traffic Control Personnel spend 1 month learning in the field, then complete a 2-day course specific to their province. This extensive training process prepares our Traffic Control Personnel to manage every situation and all projects they will encounter throughout their careers. At ATS Traffic, we pride ourselves on training our staff to the highest caliber on Canadian roads.
Tools & Equipment Used by Flaggers
Flaggers rely on a range of safety tools and equipment to perform their duties effectively. This includes stop/slow paddles, two-way radios, high-visibility clothing (CSA-approved vests and hard hats), and proper footwear. They also work alongside traffic control devices such as cones, barrels, delineators, signage, and portable digital message boards. Many flaggers are also trained to use electronic flagging devices and automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs), especially in higher-risk or high-speed environments. At ATS Traffic, our teams are equipped with industry-leading tools and technology to enhance safety, visibility, and communication on every job site.
Why Professional Flagging Matters
Professional flagging is about more than just directing traffic—it’s about preventing accidents, minimizing public frustration, and keeping road workers safe. Improper or poorly managed traffic control can lead to delays, collisions, and injuries. Trained flaggers act as the first line of defense in maintaining safety and order in unpredictable conditions, often reacting in real time to changes in traffic flow, weather, or worksite needs. With ATS Traffic’s certified and experienced personnel, clients can trust that every flagging operation is executed with precision, professionalism, and a commitment to public safety.
