What must happen before an employee can secure flagging equipment at the beginning of their shift?

Before an employee can secure flagging equipment at the beginning of their shift, it is essential to communicate with the employee in charge. This step ensures that the employee is aware of their responsibilities and has the necessary permissions to proceed with the task of securing the equipment. Clear communication with supervisory personnel helps to mitigate miscommunication or oversight, thereby ensuring that safety protocols are in place and that all logistics are managed effectively at the start of the shift.

While conducting a training session is important for overall safety and preparedness, it is typically not a prerequisite for securing flagging equipment. Confirming with the train crew might be a necessary part of the entire flagging process, but it is not directly related to the initial securing of the equipment. Reporting compliance by workers is also a vital function within the workplace but does not precede the securing of flagging equipment itself. Therefore, communicating with the employee in charge directly pertains to the procedural workflow before an employee can undertake their flagging responsibilities.