Check out this guide to ensure a seamless start to your temporary flagging position. Our goal is to help foster a respectful, timely, and effective introduction to the lead flagger on site. The goal is always to do this without interrupting setup operations, while clearly signaling availability and readiness to work.
Step-by-Step Arrival Procedure
Arrive Early & Prepared
- Be on site 10–15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
- Wear full safety gear and have your radio charged and ready along with backup (Bring paddle if you have it or let us know what your Paddle situation is).
Immediate Call to Lead Flagger
Upon arrival, call the lead flagger immediately to:
- Notify them you’re on site
- Introduce yourself (name and agency if applicable)
- Ask where they’d like you to wait or check in
- Get a sense of when they’ll be available for a quick face-to-face intro
Log Your Arrival
Record your arrival time (e.g., in a notebook or app if provided).
- Example: “Arrived on site at 6:45 AM – called Lead Flagger at 6:46 AM.”
Make Yourself Visible, Not Distracting
- Position yourself in a safe, visible area near the staging zone or designated waiting area.
- Avoid hovering or following the lead flagger if they’re actively setting up.
- Maintain a professional posture—no phone use, smoking, or chatting.
Wait for the Right Moment
- When the lead flagger has a moment (between setup tasks or during a pause), approach respectfully.
- Use a calm, confident tone: “Hey, just wanted to introduce myself real quick—I’m [Name], here to support today. Let me know when you’re ready to plug me in.”
Good Questions to Ask the Lead Flagger
These help show initiative without being pushy:
- “Where would you like me to stage up while you finish setup?”
- “Is there a specific zone or direction you want me to keep an eye on?”
- “Do you prefer radio check-ins or hand signals today?”
- “Are there any special instructions or hazards I should be aware of?”
- “Do you want me to shadow someone for the first few minutes?”
- “Is there a break schedule I should follow or check in about?”
Key Do’s and Don’ts
- Call the lead flagger immediately upon arrival
- Log your arrival time
- Stay visible and ready
- Ask thoughtful, job-relevant questions
- Follow instructions promptly
- Wander around aimlessly or wait for someone to find you
- Assume someone else will record it
- Interrupt the lead while they’re actively setting up
- Ask personal or off-topic questions
- Argue or question assignments unless safety is a concern
