As the spring and not far off summer construction season begins, so do the heightened dangers to roadside workers, especially those who perform traffic control and signal work.

Traffic control and signal workers in Ontario operate in some of the most hazardous environments in the construction industry. Every day, they work just feet away from live traffic and heavy machinery, where driver distraction, impairment, or confusion can have devastating consequences. Often, these hazards are made worse by traffic protection plans that are inadequate, inconsistent, or non-existent, leaving workers exposed to high-speed vehicles and unpredictable jobsite conditions. Strengthening training and ensuring clear, well-implemented traffic protection plans is not only best practice, but also a critical safeguard for the people who keep Ontario’s roads moving.

The Law Requires

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), together with the O. Reg. 213/91 – Construction Projects, mandates that traffic control persons (TCPs) operating in Ontario receive appropriate training, possess the necessary competence, and benefit from safety measures including high-visibility apparel and prescribed traffic control signals.
 
The Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 – Temporary Conditions (OTM Book 7), including both the office and field editions, establishes additional requirements organizations must follow when conducting work on or in proximity to roadways. The manual provides guidance on the development of traffic control plans intended to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians through work zones.

Train Smart, Stay Compliant

Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) provides two quality training programs to meet these legal requirements. Both are designed to ensure participants understand work practices, traffic control devices and measures critical to the safety of crews operating on or near roads, streets and highways. Traffic Control and Signal Person and Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 are one-day courses offered in-person, in communities across the province and led by highly qualified instructors.

Traffic Control and Signal Person training is designed for workers handling traffic control and signalling, as well as supervisors and worker representatives focused on roadwork safety. Upon program completion participants will be able to identify various hazards associated with roadwork and understand safe work practices to mitigate these risks. They will gain the skills to effectively use traffic control devices and strategies in temporary work zones beside roads and highways, following the guidelines outlined in Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 (Temporary Conditions). Participants will also demonstrate proper traffic control techniques, such as using stop/slow paddles and maintaining clear three-way communication

Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 training is designed for worker health and safety representatives, joint health and safety committees (JHSC) 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. Upon completing WHSC Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 training, participants will be able to understand the distinction between the "Field Edition" (intended for in-field reference) and the "Office Edition" (used for designing traffic control plans). They will gain the skills to utilize the "Office Edition" to develop traffic control plans that prioritize worker safety and ensure the safe flow of traffic in temporary work zones. The training also covers fundamental principles, guidelines, and current best practices essential for effective traffic control and worker safety in road construction. This comprehensive training combines theory with practical skills to help participants design and implement safe, effective traffic control plans.

Note: Participants should complete the Traffic Control and Signal Person training prior to registering for and attending Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 training.
 
Being in harm’s way is not part of the job! Train now and be ready for construction season.

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Need other essential and legally mandated training such as JHSC Certification training, GHS-WHMIS, workplace violence and harassment, working at heights, and supervisor health and safety training? We can help with these training requirements too. 

Need more information?
Download our Road Work and Traffic Control Product Sheet
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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