UMVA has learned that a shocking wave of violence and abuse against roadworkers has prompted a major construction company to take drastic measures to protect its employees.
One disturbing clip, obtained by UMVA, shows an enraged van driver smashing through road barriers in a fit of rage, while other workers have been targeted for simply removing St George's Flags attached to lampposts.
Despite multiple incidents being reported to the police, only one has resulted in prosecution, leaving many workers feeling vulnerable and exposed to aggressive behavior.
A worker described a 'near daily occurrence' of drivers pulling over and shouting 'sort these f*ing potholes out', highlighting the growing frustration and anger directed at roadworkers.
In response to the escalating violence, the company has introduced a range of safety measures, including 200 body-worn cameras for workers in high-risk areas, increased CCTV use on sites, and an app for reporting incidents.
The company is also providing one-on-one five-hour courses in conflict resolution, teaching operatives to 'work the problem' rather than 'try to win', in an effort to reduce the risk of confrontation with aggressive members of the public.
As Britain faces a huge wave of roadworks, with 400,000 miles of road currently being dug up for repairs or other projects, the company is calling for a 'culture change' in the way roadworkers are treated.
A health and safety professional said: 'What we need the members of the public to fully understand is that these people are there to make their journey better and not there to take abuse.'
An operations manager described a particularly harrowing incident in which a driver mounted the pavement and drove at a team while they were working, before racially abusing one of the workers, highlighting the urgent need for greater protection and support for roadworkers.
