Niagara Highway Traffic Committee

Traffic safety in construction zones has been promoted by the Niagara Regional Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee for more than 20 years.

The initiative has branched out to include organizations other than those directly related to construction. The group behind this activity has been the Niagara Highway Traffic Committee. Representation includes

• local road builders and unions
• local fire departments
• Canadian Automobile Association
• Head Injury Association
• Public Health Department
• Ontario Provincial Police
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
• Ministry of Labour
• Ministry of Transportation
• Transportation Safety Association of Ontario (TSAO)
• Construction Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO)
• Ontario Good Roads Association
• Young Drivers of Canada
• Heavy Construction Association
• Ontario Trucking Association.

CSAO's local field consultant Dan Monteith explains the need to focus on safety in highway construction zones. "The only two workers killed on construction projects this year in the Niagara Region were on road projects. We don't want any road worker fatalities."

By sharing information and preparing and supporting safety initiatives, the committee aims to make a difference on highway construction projects in the Niagara region.

The main thrust has been to persuade motorists to slow down in construction zones.

"It has all kind of snowballed", says Brad Bird of TSAO, as he explains one initiative. TSAO developed and sent a "Transfax" information flyer to all its members. Titled "You can make a difference in construction zone safety," the flyer was also published in CSAO's NetworkNews. Then TSAO printed 5000 and made them available on request (877-242-7077). The OPP now hands out the flyer as part of its awareness program. TSAO will also include the flyer in driver safety meetings.

In addition, a diamond-shaped graphic bearing the message "Slow down in construction zones. Give workers a brake" has been developed. Designed to reinforce the go-slow message, the design will be featured in local newspaper ads.

A video for broadcast on local cable TV is also being developed with the help of Niagara College students. Radio messages are another way the Niagara Highway Traffic Committee plans to reach the public.

Summing up the committee's continuing efforts, Monteith says, "The message has to get out that the hazards and risks are high but there is a solution. We're looking for long-term and short-term goals. We're planting the seed. It'll grow."

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