What is the purpose of a watchman/lookout in the RWP Program?

The primary purpose of a watchman or lookout in the Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Program is to alert workers of approaching trains. This role is crucial in ensuring the safety of workers who are on or near the tracks, as it helps prevent accidents by providing timely warnings about any trains that may be approaching. The lookout's vigilance and communication are essential for maintaining a safe work environment, especially in areas where visibility may be limited or where there are frequent train movements.

Other roles, such as managing worker schedules, overseeing loading and unloading procedures, or controlling traffic around the worksite, do not directly focus on the critical aspect of safeguarding workers from the immediate hazards posed by train traffic. Thus, the lookout's function is specially targeted at enhancing worker safety by being alert to the specific dangers of train operations nearby.