British Columbia Work Zone Campaign Under Way
In 2018, two British Columbia roadside workers died as a result of being hit by a motor vehicle, and 29 others were injured. Between 2009 and 2018, 13 roadside workers were killed and 213 were injured under similar circumstances.
The RCMP Lower Mainland District Integrated Road Safety Unit is partnering with the Work Zone Safety Alliance and WorkSafeBC to raise awareness about the risks workers face while working on roadways. Their B.C. Cone Zone Campaign, now in its ninth year, reminds employers, workers, and drivers to obey the law when approaching a "cone zone" to prevent deaths and injuries to roadside workers in British Columbia.
These roadway work zones can be occupied by road maintenance crews, tow truck operators, first responders, or municipal workers.
In 2018, two roadside workers died as a result of being hit by a motor vehicle, and 29 others were injured. Between 2009 and 2018, 13 roadside workers were killed and 213 were injured under similar circumstances.
The campaign will include an enforcement blitz; tickets given to drivers can range from $196 for disobeying a flag person to $368 for using an electronic device while driving.
The B.C. Cone Zone Campaign coincides with the increase in roadside work throughout the province in the spring and summer. As construction activity increases in the busy spring and summer construction months, drivers need to slow down when driving through a cone zone and pay attention to instructions from traffic control persons, temporary road signs, and traffic control devices. Under the "Slow Down, Move Over" legislation, drivers should be prepared to reduce speed and move over to an open lane when driving near a vehicle with flashing amber, red, or blue lights.
According to the partner agencies, roadside workers can work safely by:
- Knowing how to identify hazards and assess risks
- Following safe work procedures
- Following set-up and take-down regulations
- Wearing appropriate high-visibility clothing
- Reporting unsafe work conditions to their supervisor