Improved Safety Standards

Transportation and Public Works has improved safety standards during construction of roads and highways in the province.

The province has changed the language in the Temporary Workplace Traffic Control Manual, making it mandatory for workers to review a planning checklist before work can begin. Prior to this change, the review was recommended, but not mandatory.

"Our goal is to protect both workers and the motoring public," said Stuart Frickleton, traffic control program administrator. "Going through the checklist will result in consistency and greater safety for everyone."

The checklist, a component of the manual, includes items such as site evaluation and planning for passage of emergency vehicles.

The change was the recommendation of the Nova Scotia Temporary Workplace Traffic Control Committee, which advises the department. The committee includes representatives of labour and industry, as well as law enforcement and government representatives.

Contractors, utility companies and public agencies are the main users of the manual, which is an accepted standard under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The change applies to the first paragraph of section 20.6 of the manual.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a copy of the Planning and Preparation Checklist e-mail <[email protected].>