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Obey the sign...or pay double the fine
A MESSAGE ABOUT TRAFFIC CONTROL PERSON
SAFETY
Traffic control people play an important role in road safety by warning
motorists about road construction activity in their area and controlling traffic.
Between 1991 and 1996 four traffic control people in B.C. died as a
result of motorists who speed or disregard traffic control people or safety signs in a
construction zone. In addition, 48 Workers' Compensation Board claims for injured road
workers resulted in payouts of more than $500,000 in benefits and nearly 3,500 lost work
days. The benefits include all claim costs except health care and rehabilitation costs.
To protect traffic control people and other road workers, while
ensuring motorists obey traffic control signs, the Ministry of Transportation and Highways
has doubled the fine for these infractions from $75 to $150. The higher fine will help
reduce the risk and lower the costs.
Government recognizes the important role which training plays in the
safety of traffic control people and road workers at road construction sites.
For this reason, a committee with representatives from industry,
government, labour and education conducted a review of training for traffic control
people. The committee brought forward a number of recommendations for improved training
and certification standards.
A new curriculum for trainers and trainees was developed. It is
now available both online and in hard copy through the open learning agency.
The ministry requires that all traffic control people are trained to
this minimum curriculum and may request "proof of training" on-site.
These measures, supported by industry, will reduce the injury and death
rate among traffic control people and road workers at highway construction sites. They
will also lower the number of Workers' Compensation Board claims that are filed, as well
as health and rehabilitation costs.
British Columbia:
Committed to road and worker safety.
Traffic Control Person Safety information courtesy of The Ministry of
Transportation and Highways and the Ministry of
Attorney General.
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