The reports have become all too familiar.
A construction superintendent was hit by a passing motorist while placing barrier cones on the 401 . . .
Two workers attaching a construction sign to the back of a pickup truck on an approach to the Garden City Skyway were struck by a car . . .
A bulldozer operator was walking behind a dump truck when it reversed suddenly and ran over him . . .
Whether personnel are killed by vehicles on projects or on public roads, traffic has become a major cause of construction fatalities.
Over the years, equipment operating in reverse on construction sites has been among the top four causes of fatalities. Increasingly, however, public traffic has taken its toll of construction personnel working along roads and highways.
In many cases, speed is a significant factor. Motorists fail to slow down in construction zones. Speed is dangerous enough by itself. But it can be fatal when combined with restricted traffic flow, variable road surfaces, and close proximity to workers and equipment.
In the last decade, more than 30 construction people have been killed by moving equipment in Ontario. Thirteen of these deaths occurred over the last three construction seasons alone.
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Traffic Control - On Site
Preventing deaths caused by vehicles and equipment on construction sites requires
- site planning
- signallers
- training.
Planning
- Plan site layouts to eliminate or reduce the need for vehicles to back up. Drive-through operations can increase efficiency and improve visibility.
- Keep workers on foot out of areas where heavy equipment operates. Plan to have workers in the area either before or after heavy equipment.
- When workers on foot must share the same space with trucks and heavy equipment, they should work in designated areas separated by a warning barrier.
- Post signs reminding drivers and operators that a signaller must be used whenever moving vehicles or equipment endanger personnel.
Signallers
- Know and use the accepted on-site signals. Use the entire arm to indicate directional changes, not just fingers.
- In addition to hard hat and safety boots, wear a reflective fluorescent blaze orange vest.
- Stand where you can see and be seen by drivers and operators.
- Stand outside the path of travel, maintain a clear view of the path, and stay visible. Stand squarely in the operator's mirror view to ensure that you and your signals are seen.
- Make eye contact with driver or operator before signalling or changing direction.
- Where on-site traffic is light, a worker may be designated a part-time signaller who does regular work until a vehicle enters the area and needs assistance. The worker then stops work to direct equipment.
Training
Site personnel should be trained regarding blind spots. The main problem with vehicles moving on construction sites is the driver's lack of visibility, especially when operating in reverse. Dump trucks and heavy equipment such as loaders and graders have blind spots that leave the operator no view, or only a limited view, even with the help of mirrors.
Site personnel should be trained to
- recognize blind spots
- avoid entering or standing in blind spots
- make eye contact with driver or operator before approaching equipment
- signal intentions to driver or operator
- avoid standing or talking near traffic entry points, grading operations, or other places where equipment is moving back and forth.
Drivers and operators should
- obey the signaller
- remain in their cabs wherever possible
- make sure mirrors are intact, functional, and properly adjusted for the best view
- do a circle check after leaving their vehicle for any period of time (walk completely around the vehicle to ensure the area is clear before moving)
- stop immediately when a signaller, worker, or anyone else disappears from view.
Traffic Control - Public Roads
Construction projects on or along public roads can pose major hazards when workers place and remove traffic control devices.
The goal in setting up traffic control signs and delineators is to provide the motoring public with a clear, well laid-out path of travel. This maximizes worker safety and visibility within the zone. Personnel doing this work must be fully trained.
Instruction should cover
- personal protective equipment required
- communication to be used in setting up and removing traffic control devices
- inspection of signs and delineators before use to ensure they are in good condition
- type and placement of signs in compliance with the Ministry of Transportation's Traffic Control Manual of Roadway Work Operations
- order in which signs will be loaded on the truck -- last sign on project to be loaded first, etc.
- required number and spacing of delineators
- proper method of placing traffic control devices -- always with the flow of traffic (this ensures that oncoming traffic is channelled away from the worker installing the devices, as in Figure 1)
- proper method of removing traffic control devices -- always against the flow of traffic (this ensures that workers are protected from oncoming traffic by the upstream delineators, as in Figure 2)
- the need to have an escape route planned before workers start placing or removing traffic control devices.
Figure 1
Signs and delineators that offer the best visibility are recommended.
For instance, where a reflective arrow board is required,
substitute an illuminated arrow board to enhance visibility.
Figure 2
As shown in Figures 1-2, a trailing vehicle is recommended to help protect workers while they place or remove traffic control devices. The vehicle should be positioned far enough behind the operation to protect workers, yet not so close that it affects their view of oncoming traffic. The distance of the trailing vehicle should be adjusted in accordance with the posted speed limit.
Communication
Methods of communication among workers placing devices must be clear. When two or more crews are working together, radio or telephone communication is recommended. Ensure that batteries are fully charged.
Access/Egress
The work zone must be designed to allow the entry and exit of construction traffic. Access must be long enough to allow vehicles to slow down and should be cordoned off from work areas to reduce the risk of collision between vehicles entering the zone and those already operating there. At exits, allow enough distance for construction equipment to get up to road speed before merging with public traffic. Heavy equipment often needs extra room to accelerate.
Traffic Control Planning
All construction work on, adjacent to, or encroaching on a
public road must be signed and delineated in accordance with
the Ministry of Transportation's Traffic Control Manual of Roadway
Work Operations.
Contractors are advised not only to meet but to exceed legal
requirements by using traffic control devices that provide the
greatest level of safety for workers.
Before the project begins, determine
- type of roadway where work will be done -- one-lane, two-lane,
rural, urban, divided, speed limits, traffic volume, etc.
- duration of work and physical dimensions -- length of work
zone, length of project (if different from work zone)
- sign requirements as per Traffic Control Manual -- number,
location, height and method of securing (fixed or ballasted)
- type and number of delineators required for road and speed
conditions.
Inspect signs and delineators before use. Repair or replace
faded or damaged devices. Inspection before installation
reduces worker exposure to moving traffic.
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Traffic Control Persons
- Workers may direct traffic only where the operating speed
of the roadway is less than 90 km/h and there is a maximum
of one lane of traffic in each direction.
- A worker may not direct traffic in more than one direction.
- Workers directing traffic must be trained and receive both
oral and written instructions in a language they understand.
- Workers directing traffic must wear a reflective fluorescent
vest and use the STOP/SLOW sign required under the construction
regulation (O. Reg. 213/91).
- Workers must be positioned off the travelled portion of the
roadway until traffic is stopped and must have a clear view of
approaching traffic at all times.
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More Information
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(416) 674-2726 |
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Fax (416) 674-8866 |
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