The American National Standards Institute plans to send out a draft proposal for a vote by the ANSI committee with the authority to approve new voluntary standards for highway worker safety. At least two-thirds of those voting and half of the full ANSI A (10) committee would need to support the proposal in order for it to go into effect as a voluntary standard. In the works since 2005, the standard will address such issues as “positive” protection for workers, such as when to put up concrete barriers; night work and illumination; equipment operator safety; personal protective equipment; and traffic control measures. Scott Schneider, director of occupational safety and health for the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America, says he does not think the proposal will be controversial. But some employer groups are wary. Brad Sant, ARTBA’s vice president of safety and education, warns of potential legal liabilities. “You’ve just created a gotcha for something that is relatively new and may not be all that well understood.”