NJ Department of Labor launches statewide initiative to bolster safety standards for school crossing guards

NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has launched a new initiative to bolster safety standards for crossing guards serving New Jersey’s schools and communities.

The statewide safety initiative aligns with states, municipalities, and school districts around the country recognizing National Crossing Guard Awareness Day on February 12 in honor of the invaluable contributions crossing guards make in keeping children, families and communities safe and sound. 

Across New Jersey Throughout the month of February, New Jersey crossing guards are being celebrated at schools including Packanack Elementary School in Passaic County (Feb. 7), the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District in Salem County (Feb. 10), and the Hamburg Public School District (Feb.12) in Sussex County.

Spearheaded by NJDOL’s Office of Public Employees’ Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH), the proactive sweep, called a Local Emphasis Program (LEP), will include thorough inspections of school districts and police departments across the Garden State. The initiative will focus on improving safety standards for crossing guards by equipping them with essential safety protocols including for high visibility attire and essential equipment, and training to enable them to safely perform their duties.

“Crossing guards help keep our children and families safe and are essential to keeping drivers alert to maintain the well-being of our communities,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “We are focused on empowering New Jersey crossing guards by providing them with robust safety tools and rigorous training so they can carry out their important role in our communities safely and confidently.”

Following a series of tragic incidents involving New Jersey crossing guards that resulted in two fatalities and five serious injuries, NJDOL proactively launched this enhanced safety program to better protect crossing guards statewide.

Key safety measures covered by these inspections will include:

• High-Visibility Attire: Crossing guards are to be provided with ANSI 107/207 compliant high-visibility attire.
  • Required Safety Vest (ANSI 107/207)
    • Type P (Public Safety) or Type R (Roadway) (107)
    • Class 2 or 3 (3 has more retroreflective material than 2) (107)
  • If weather apparel is worn over the vest, the rain jacket or similar must meet ANSI 107/207 requirements.
  • Crossing guards employed by police agencies must be provided with a suitable hat in accordance with N.J.S.A 40A:9-154.3. It is recommended that the hat be of a high visibility quality.

• Comprehensive Training: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.2, crossing guards employed by a police department must receive 2 hours of classroom training and 20 hours of field training. Guards employed by a school district should receive training from a similar program.

• Essential Equipment: Each crossing guard must be provided with a “STOP” paddle that is 18 inches in diameter with six-inch tall reflective or illuminated letters, ensuring clear communication to drivers even in low light conditions.

• Crosswalk Maintenance: Crosswalks are to be inspected to ensure they are free from slip, trip and fall hazards. In addition, inspections should confirm roadway markings are visible, and crosswalk and/or school zone signage is maintained.

PEOSH Safety Compliance Officers will visit schools and police departments across the Garden State to conduct a brief opening conference with the employer and employee representatives; review injury records; perform an inspection; and discuss the findings.