Road workers in Canada face many risks and hazards when performing their tasks. Their safety must be a top priority, from heavy machinery to unpredictable traffic.
How can it be achieved? Several elements must be put in place to ensure the safety of road workers. Take advantage of the following article to update your OHS goals and their requirements.
Wearing high-visibility clothing is crucial for road workers. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), being struck by a vehicle is one of the leading causes of fatal injury among workers.
By wearing bright, reflective clothing, workers increase their visibility, making it easier for drivers to spot them and take the necessary precautions. It is estimated that high-visibility clothing can reduce accidents by up to 41%.
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Proper training and certification play an important role in improving road worker safety.
According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada, the construction industry recorded more than 200 worker fatalities in 2019.
By offering comprehensive training programs, employers can ensure that workers have the knowledge and skills to operate machinery safely, understand traffic control procedures and respond effect
Effective traffic control measures are essential to protect road workers.
Statistics from the Canadian Traffic Incident Management Foundation reveal that in 2020, 38 road workers lost their lives in work zone accidents. Measures such as barricades, cones, signage and flaggers help redirect traffic and create a safer working environment.
By effectively controlling traffic flow and communicating with drivers, the risk of accide
Using the right equipment and ensuring regular maintenance are essential for the safety of road workers.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety reports that overloading, poor posture and repetitive motion are frequent causes of injury among road workers.
Providing ergonomically designed tools and equipment and regular maintenance checks can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other work-related injuries.
Ensuring good communication and coordination between road workers is essential to workplace safety.
The Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals points out that inadequate communication is a major factor contributing to work zone incidents.
By establishing clear communication channels, holding regular safety briefings and fostering teamwork, road workers can proactively address risks and prevent accidents.
Road working conditions are dynamic, and dangers can develop rapidly. Regular risk assessments are important to identify hazards and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
Canadian occupational health and safety standards require employers to assess risks and develop comprehensive safety plans.
Regularly reviewing and updating these plans allows road workers to adapt to changing conditions and effectively minimize risks.
By adopting a comprehensive approach that combines high-visibility clothing, rigorous training programs, effective traffic control measures, appropriate equipment, effective communication and ongoing risk assessment, we can create a safer working environment for road workers.
More questions about best practices on the road? Everything you need to know is right here!
