Blog Post #995 – New Rules for Construction Zones in Alberta

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine

Contractors in  the province of Alberta are now required to cover speed-reduction signage in a construction zone when workers are not present and if there are no safety concerns.

Other measures to make construction zones safer for public-road workers include limiting the distance of highway-Lane closures in most cases to a maximum of 3 km, ensuring consistency of signs leading to construction zones and creating longer transition zones for slowing down.

“One of the major complaints we hear every year is that reduced speed limits are enforced when it is obvious no work is occurring at the construction site,” Minister of Transportation Brian Mason says in a statement on January 15, 2019. “These changes will make sure our construction workers are safe as they build our roadways while also helping commuters spend less time in traffic.”

Other requirements include more consistent use of road-construction signage, more gradual speed reductions through construction zones and deploy electronic speed displays and rumble strips more frequently to slow traffic.

My opinion

I was very surprised to hear that these are still outstanding in the province of Alberta. Ontario has already updated their regulations to include signage in and around construction zones.

Traffic Control is a course that can make a difference for those protecting workers in a construction project, be it a roadway-type project or a large building project. The need for traffic control is there.

HRS Group Inc. has a very well-received Traffic Control training program. Check out our website at www.hrsgroup.com or at the BIS Trainer website for more details. We can offer group rebates if your company goes through our particular site. Call Deborah at (705) 749-1259 for further information.

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – Alberta Health and Safety – An Oxymoron!

Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’, ‘Construction Safety Awareness’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.

 

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