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

Every crew member should possess the following attributes:: Abillitly to perform tasks and be responsive to changing traffic pattens; A sense of responsibility for safety of public and crew.
Knives, machetes, axes, etc. should not be carried by crew members. Do not attempt to compact(squeeze) trash bags to gain room for more trash. Injuries from broken or jagged objects often result from this practice. Fill the bag with what goes in easily and then get another bag.
Park all vehicles well clear of the roadway and at least 10 feet from the shoulders surface.
Do not walk across interstate highways. Use the bridges.
Stay off rip-rap and steep slopes.

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 errant vehicles.
Discontinue work in inclement weather, especially in times of reduced visibility, wet/icy roads, during electrical storms, and during other than daylight conditions.
Avoid overexertion. Drink plenty of water, especially on warm, humid days.

Wear ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Class II high visibility garments while within the highway right-of-way.
Wear light-colored clothing at all times when working on the right-of-way.
Wear heavy gloves.
Wear substantial leather shoes or boots with ankle support. Watch for footing.
Wear a hat and long sleeves to avoid sunburn. You may wish to use a sunscreen lotion on sunny days.

Do not attempt to remove unknown or suspected toxic/hazardous substances. This could include meth byproducts such as containers with hoses duct taped to spouts, empty starter fluid cans, propane tanks with discolored valves, or coffee filters, or bags containing a grayish/white substance. Notify NDDOT or the police of the location of such items immediately.
Do not enter the roadway or its shoulder areas, paved or unpaved, to pick up trash.
Do not pick up trash in the median of interstate/multi-lane highways.
Pick up pop bottles and similar containers only with great care. They may contain HUMAN WASTE.
Do not pick up discarded syringes, hypodermic needles, or broken glass.

Every crew should possess an adequate first aid kit. Be prepared for serious injury; select an emergency room/hospital and know the route from the work area to the designated treatment center.
Every crew should have transportation immediately available.
If possible, bring a cellular phone or CB radio with a fully-charged battery.