SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2023 11
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS
that road construction site is our “office” SLOW DOWN:
Colin Corneau photo
O n the drive home, we’ve all had to slow down at some point in our commutes when there is construction happening on the road. What is often overlooked, in the desire to get through the delay, is that motorists are actually driving through a construction worker’s “office.” Distracted or careless drivers are among the biggest threats to the safety of construction workers. Construction workers are working day in and day out, sometimes sun up to sun down, to fix our roads or repair the water and wastewater pipes. They deserve to be safe, to get home healthy and well at the end of the day, just like everyone else. Mike Burtnick, Safety Manager of Maple Leaf Construction, says the biggest struggle for the company’s flaggers is distracted drivers. “We see distracted drivers everyday driving through our
work zones, which is a threat to themselves and an even bigger threat to our workers.” The hazards include drivers who are on their phones or just impatient, making their way through a construction zone, he says. From construction laborers to workers on equipment, all the way to flaggers, the hazards of distracted drivers are present for all. Flaggers are trained to direct traffic, while leaving themselves an escape route, should an emergency occur. “We’re doing our part as an industry with training and educating our workers on the dangers of the road,” Burtnick says, adding: “Are you doing yours by driving safely?” Burtnick describes the role of a flagger as “an important, but stressful job,” and asks that the next time you drive through a work-zone, you are patient, respectful and acknowledge that this is construction workers’ workplace.
“Our workers would never come to your workplace and create hazards to you and your co-workers,” Burtnick states. When you are driving through a construction zone, always remember to: • Slow down and obey the posted speed limit • Comply with the directions given by the flag-person • Keep a safe following distance between other cars, construction workers and equipment • Expect delays; plan for them and give yourself adequate time to reach your destination on time • Use extra caution around machinery as they have blind spots; don’t always assume they can see you • Stay calm and patient; everyone wants to get some safe at the end of the day Remember to stay focused and alert driving through constructions zones this season. And always pay attention and abide by road signs.
Building Relationships Through Infrastructure
UNIT 5 - 1595 BROOKSIDE BLVD. WINNIPEG, MB. R2R 1V6 PH: 204-942-1516 | F: 204-942-0693
www.tri-core.ca info@tri-core.ca
Tri-Core Projects A Contracting Firm Specializing In:
Drilled Caissons and Structurally Engineered Excavations Large Diameter Tunnel Boring and Directional Drilling Pipe Jacking
Road and Pre-Cast Bridge Systems Environmental, Hydraulic Structures and Site Remediation Earthmoving and Shoreline Stabilization Complex Excavations and Foundations Watermain, Land Drainage and Wastewater Systems
Utility Installations Transmission Lines
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