What agency initiated 23 Code of Federal Regulations part 634, requiring that all individuals working in the right-of-way of federally funded highways wear high-visibility safety apparel?

The regulation found in 23 Code of Federal Regulations part 634 mandates that all personnel working in the right-of-way of federally funded highways must wear high-visibility safety apparel to enhance their safety. This initiative was spearheaded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which is dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient transportation systems. The implementation of high-visibility apparel plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of accidents by making workers more visible to motorists, especially in environments with heavy traffic.

The FHWA's mission encompasses improving and maintaining the nation's highway infrastructure, and part of this is ensuring the safety of workers who perform tasks in potentially hazardous conditions. High-visibility apparel is a best practice in safety protocol, aligning with the FHWA's overarching goal to minimize risks for all roadway users, including construction and maintenance workers. Other agencies mentioned, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while relevant in their own contexts, do not have the specific regulatory authority to establish requirements for workers on federally funded highway projects in this way.