As National Work Zone Awareness Week unfolded from April 21 to 25, 2025, the Ohio Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET) took the lead in promoting crucial work zone safety initiatives across the state. During this week, the organization aimed to not only enhance awareness but also to express gratitude toward the hardworking men and women who contribute to the state's infrastructure and economy through highway construction. The highlight of their efforts was a resolution that called upon counties and cities throughout Ohio to formally acknowledge the onset of the busy highway construction season.
This resolution came with a powerful message: safe work zones are a shared responsibility. By urging local governments to adopt these measures, Ohio LECET sought to foster a community spirit that prioritizes worker safety on the roadways. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 20 counties and cities joining this initiative. This marks a significant step toward recognizing and addressing the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols in construction zones, particularly as the construction season ramps up.
Summit County Executive Shapiro emphasized the importance of this commitment, remarking, "These men and women build the infrastructure that connects us to our economy, our livelihoods, our friends and family, and so much more. Their safety is everyone's safety, which is why it is so important that we slow down, stay aware, and help keep each other safe on the road, especially in construction zones."
In fact, the statistics related to work zone safety in Ohio paint a stark picture. Between 2019 and early 2025, the state experienced nearly 26,000 work zone accidents, which led to over 9,000 injuries and a crushing 99 fatalities. These figures signify real lives impacted by preventable circumstances, making it clear that the time for change is now. Ohio LECET is fully dedicated to improving these numbers through education and proactive safety strategies.
Bethany Billi, Director of Ohio LECET, stated, "The adoption of our resolution by so many Ohio counties and cities demonstrates a collective commitment to improving work zone safety and preventing future tragedies. We must all remember the human cost of these accidents and take responsibility for creating safer roadways for everyone."
The profound impact of work zone incidents was poignantly observed during a tribute at a Dayton Dragons baseball game on one of the week's highlight days. Dana King, the mother of Alex King—a construction union Laborer who tragically lost his life in a work zone in 2021—was honored. This tribute served as a solemn reminder of the real human costs behind the statistics and the critical need for greater driver awareness and vigilance in work zones.
Dragons President Robert Murphy expressed support for the initiative, stating, "It is important that we all step back and recognize the important work these amazing men and women do each and every day. They are our family, friends, and neighbors, and their safety should always be our top priority. We are honored to help spotlight Ohio LECET's ongoing efforts to promote and improve public safety."
In addition to awareness campaigns, Ohio LECET and its signatory contractors made a tangible effort to support workers directly during National Work Zone Awareness Week. Food trucks were provided at various highway projects across the state, serving as a token of appreciation for the dedication and hard work of these invaluable construction professionals.
To learn more about Ohio LECET's commitment to work zone safety and their ongoing initiatives planned for the upcoming construction season, visit
www.ohiolecet.com/pr-nwzaw25/. Their proactive measures and community involvement signify a promising future for work zone safety in Ohio, reminding all of us that road construction workers are essential to our safety and infrastructure, and their well-being should be a priority for everyone.