Union leader praises Greene County—s Work Zone Awareness Week proclamation, urges road-safety measures

GREENE COUNTY, Ohio — The Greene County Board of Commissioners on April 17 unanimously recognized April 21–25, 2025, as National Work Zone Awareness Week and heard a presentation from a regional union leader urging greater caution and temporary safety improvements in active construction zones.

Jason Lautenslager, business manager for Laborers Local 1410, told commissioners his union represents about 1,000 construction members — roughly 50 of whom live in Greene County — and thanked the board for the proclamation. "We need to bring that awareness here to keep people safe, and to raise awareness with the public of how dangerous those zones are," Lautenslager said.

Lautenslager said union members are likely to work on the county—s collective paving contracts and described the spring construction season as a period when drivers should reduce speed and exercise caution. He said labor leaders are supporting legislation and temporary countermeasures such as rumble strips placed between barrels in work zones to reduce speed and save lives. On statewide injury figures, he stated, "I think total injury wise, we, in the state of Ohio, we're around 100 a year." He also offered to provide hard numbers to county staff.

Commissioners accepted the proclamation and presented a Greene County pin to Lautenslager following the resolution; a photo session with county leaders followed. The board noted the paving contract awarded to John R. Jurgensen Company the prior week will involve local crews and underscored the link between procurement actions and on-the-ground worker safety.

The proclamation calls on citizens to exercise caution and reduce speeds through work zones during the week of April 21–25, 2025.