Physical Danger
Most of your work will not only be outside, but on the side of a highway while drivers are speeding past you without any concern for your safety. We'd like to say we're being dramatic, but we've all seen highway maintenance workers at some point. Does it look like a shining example of safety?
You may end up feeling a bit like Frogger as you dodge dangerous vehicular traffic. The speed limit says fifty-five, but you can absolutely bet some cars are going up to eighty miles an hour. That's a pretty dangerous position to be working in. In 2013 alone, there were 105 maintenance worker fatalities in the U.S., most of them caused by workers being hit by cars (source).
Then there are the dangers of working outside. You know, like the blazing hot sun or the frigid cold depending on where you live and the time of year. And you won't just be standing around outside. Remember that working with your hands and with heavy machinery is can also be strenuous on your back and body. It's definitely important to get proper training to make sure you don't hurt yourself.