FEATURE
Setting up and maintaining a safe construction work
zone has long been a challenge for companies across the
province.
Compounding this difficult task is the shortened construction
season given Saskatchewan’s climate. As such, the number of work
zones can be numerous.
“Statistically, the two main causal factors of mishaps with driv-er
condition is inattention and distraction,” says Lee Carlson, safety
consultant with the Saskatchewan Safety Council, a non-profit reg-istered
charity that has been dedicated to the prevention of injury in
Saskatchewan since 1955. Funded through donations, membership
contributions, sponsorships and the distribution of safety programs
and materials, the revenues generated by the council are invested
within Saskatchewan to further promote safety.
“Ensuring adequate communication to the motorist is a com-mon
challenge,” he says. “Drivers become familiar and do not al-ways
give the attention to the areas they should. It becomes another
part of the driver’s daily routine, especially for those drivers who fre-quent
highway travel. Getting and keeping the drivers’ attention is
paramount for the safety of all road users.”
In overcoming communication issues so there are fewer injuries
and fatalities, Carlson says companies need to ensure they are send-ing
the right message so motorists know what they are to do when
driving past a construction work zone.
“Is that message realistic and does it make sense to the motor-ist?
For example, when working adjacent to the roadway, many
contractors work in the right of way or ditch. They are not affecting
traffic flow, yet often they place the black and white 60 KPH signs
to slow traffic. Along with this, they install the WD-A41 (Roadwork
Ahead sign).”
According to the Traffic Control Device Manual, the speed should
be commensurate to the location of the activity, taking place with
the right of way. So, if the distance off the driving lane, plus shoul-der
width, is less than four metres, then the speed is to be reduced
to 60 KPH. If the distance is greater than six metres, then the speed
is reduced to 70 KPH. If the distance is greater than 10 metres, then
speed is not reduced and normally signage is not required.
“It is so easy to put up signs,” says Carlson, “but if it does not make
sense to the motorist, it leads to frustration and noncompliance.”
For some companies, maintaining work signage is a challenge.
“Signage that is not overly visible and showing severe signs of wear
may still be in use,” says Natalya Uchacz, who is on the work zone
signing committee for the Heavy Construction Safety Association of
Saskatchewan. “This possibly sends a message to the motorist that
when these particular signs are used, the messages on these signs
are not as important.”
Additionally, depending on the jurisdiction or road authority,
signs may still be present even after road crews are gone.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HJR ASPHALT
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