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Traffic Control

It's becoming all-too familiar—injuries and fatalities on roadbuilding projects.

During the month of June 2012, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) conducted a safety blitz on struck-by hazards associated with traffic control on construction sites and roadbuilding projects. The blitz was designed to:

  • Raise awareness of key health and safety hazards to workers who may be endangered by vehicular traffic.
  • Ensure workplace parties are complying with the law.
  • Prevent injuries and illnesses that could arise from unsafe work practices.
 

Vodcast

A vodcast is a video podcast that you can view online or download to your computer or mobile phone.

IHSA health and safety consultant John Kelly answers a few key questions any company should be asking if they are involved in traffic control.

 

Video Downloads

 

Best Practices

 

Traffic Protection Plans and Control Devices

  • Plans are developed and kept at the construction site or road work project.
  • Workers who may be exposed to traffic hazards are familiar with the traffic protection plan and control procedures.
  • Devices such as signs, cones, and barricades are in good condition and placed correctly.
  • Devices are used in accordance with the Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 – Temporary Conditions.
 

Signallers and Traffic Control Persons

  • Workers who direct vehicle traffic have received proper training and adequate written and oral instruction.
  • Signallers and traffic control persons do not perform any other work while directing traffic and wear appropriate high-visibility clothing that meets regulatory standards for retroreflectivity.
  • Workers who may be endangered by vehicular traffic wear high-visibility clothing that meets regulatory standards for retroreflectivity.
  • Use a signaller to assist operators of vehicles, machines and equipment if the operator's view is obstructed or a person could be endangered.

General

  • Plan and organize every project so that vehicles, machines and equipment do not operate in reverse.
  • If that is not possible, post warning signs about the danger of reversing vehicles and equipment.
  • Equip dump trucks with an automatic audible alarm that signals when the truck is being operated in reverse.
  • Provide adequate written and oral instruction in a language understood by the workers. Include a description of the signals to be used. Keep the instructions at the project.
  • Ensure the required high-visibility clothing is worn by workers who may be endangered by vehicle traffic.
 

Best Practices for Nighttime Operations

 

Training

IHSA offers the following training programs.

 

Products

IHSA offers the following products.

 

Health & Safety Policies & Procedures

 

Resources

Download the following chapters from IHSA’s Construction Health and Safety Manual (M029):

 

Safety Talks

Conducting a five-minute safety talk is hands-on way to remind workers that health and safety are important on the job and can help workers recognize and control hazards. Download these talks from IHSA’s Safety Talks (V005) manual:

 

Health & Safety Policies and Procedures

Use the documents below as a guide to help you write or update your health and safety policy and program. (See also Safe work practices/safe job procedures.)

 

Responsibilities of Workplace Parties

 

Constructor

  • Ensure the measures and procedures for traffic protection and control and related training requirements are carried out on the project.
  • Ensure that every employer and every worker performing work on the project follows the traffic protection plan and wears high-visibility clothing, as required.
 

Employer

  • Develop and implement a written traffic protection plan for workers who may be exposed to traffic hazards.
  • Ensure workers are provided with appropriate training, supervision and personal protective equipment.
  • Carry out the traffic control measures and procedures required in the regulation.
    Take every reasonable precaution to protect workers during road work and around moving equipment on construction sites.
  • Provide the equipment, materials, and protective devices for traffic protection and control, as required. Use and maintain the equipment, materials, and devices as per manufacturer’s instructions.
 

Supervisors

  • Take every reasonable precaution to protect workers and ensure workers comply with the OHSA and Construction regulation. Make sure any equipment, protective devices, or clothing required by the employer is used or worn by workers.
  • Provide workers with written instructions on traffic control measures and procedures and advise workers of any potential or actual health or safety dangers known by the supervisor.
 

Workers

  • Be aware of potential traffic-related hazards and report any known hazards or contraventions to the supervisor or employer.
  • Receive training on safe practices and procedures in traffic control and work in compliance with the OHSA and Construction regulation.
Topics & Hazards  |  Traffic Control