Working in and near traffic can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. Ontario law recognizes this with regulation and WHSC with training. Both aim to safeguard road workers.
 
One Ontario employer was recently ordered to pay $87,500 after being convicted of Occupational Health and Safety Act violations which caused a worker performing road work to suffer a critical injury. The worker injury and subsequent conviction help illustrate the importance of road work precautions. 
 
On June 10, 2022, a worker was applying a coat of mixed cement to the inside collar of a previously installed sewer in the middle of a roadway in Fergus, Ontario. The worker was wearing a high visibility vest and working alone when struck by a vehicle driven by another worker. According to a January 13, 2025, press release announcing this conviction, a Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) investigation determined the employer failed to position adequate warning signs or barriers to protect a worker performing work on a roadway as prescribed by section 67(4) of Ontario Regulation 213/91 governing construction projects, and contrary to section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
 
The employer plead guilty and was fined $70,000 plus an additional 25 per cent surcharge credited to a special government fund to assist victims of crime.

REGISTER NOW FOR TRAINING IN PURSUIT OF SAFER ROAD WORK

OHS law calls for training…WHSC can help

Under OHSA employers have a general duty to provide information, instruction and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety, appoint and train competent supervisors to oversee work, and depending on the number of workers regularly employed, ensure the establishment of worker health and safety representatives, joint health and safety committees (JHSCs) and in the case of larger construction projects, worker trades committees. All worker representatives have considerable powers under the law to help carry out the worker right to participate in health and safety matters. Like workers and supervisors, certified members of JHSCs at very least must also be trained. 
 
Two new programs developed by Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) are designed to help employers meet these obligations when it comes to road work and traffic control. Upon successful completion, participants of both programs are supplied a WHSC record of training. 

Traffic Control and Signal Person training is aimed principally at workers who perform traffic control and signalling duties along with supervisors overseeing these activities. Worker representatives looking to exercise their right to participate in ensuring safer road work would also benefit from this program. Participants explore the extensive hazards related to road work along with safe work practices and devices designed to control exposure. They are also introduced to Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 (Temporary Conditions) which provides practical guidance regarding the use of traffic control devices in temporary work zones on or beside roads and highways. Hands-on practical exercises further aid in understanding safe work practices and traffic control devices such as three-way communication and directing traffic using stop/slow paddles. 
 
Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 training is designed for worker health and safety representatives, joint health and safety committees and worker trades committees where applicable, along with road construction crew lead hands and supervisors with either powers or obligations related to ensuring safer traffic control in temporary work zones. There is a “Field Edition” and “Office Edition” of OTM Book 7. The “Field Edition” is intended only as a reference while in the field. The new WHSC OMT Book 7 training explores the “Office Edition” which should be used to design traffic control plans, as it includes relevant details and rationale for design choices aimed at protecting workers and aiding the safe flow of traffic. As such, the new WHSC program equips participants with an understanding of fundamental principles, guidelines, and current best practices critical to the control of traffic and safety of workers in temporary work zones. 

REGISTER NOW FOR TRAINING FOR SAFER ROAD WORK

Need other essential and legally mandated training such as joint health and safety committee Certification, health and safety representative training for smaller workplaces, supervisor competency, GHS-WHMIS, workplace violence and harassment, construction health and safety awareness, working at heights, and worker health and safety awareness? 
 
Want to review our complete training catalogue and upcoming scheduled training opportunities?

Unsure of your workplace training needs? Contact a WHSC training service representative near you who will be happy to help.

Download and share Road Work and Traffic Control Training promotional flyer.

Want to read more about this court case?
Workplace Injury Results in $70,000 Fine for Construction Company

Related resources
Construction Project Regulation (O. Reg 213/91)
Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 (Temporary Conditions)

Need more information?
Contact a WHSC training services representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
Connect with and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube