Traffic Control Person

Traffic Control is required anytime vehicular movement creates a hazard to workers on public roadways consisting of patrol vehicles, traffic lights, signs, barricades, cones, detours, traffic control persons, etc. Generally, it is seen during construction, utility work, and emergency response.

Construction work zones present unique hazards that require careful planning, communication, and compliance with legislation to mitigate risks effectively. That is why personnel must be knowledgeable of hazards associated with working on roadways and what is needed to protect workers and the general public. It is critical to be familiar with the NL OHS Regulations, Part XVI, as this outlines the legislative requirements including the necessity to follow policies and procedures that are outlined in the Traffic Control Manual (TCM).

Prior to starting any job, all hazards must be identified and controlled; generally, a hazard assessment is an easy way to assist with this process. However, when working on public roadways, the risk  of a hazard resulting in an incident is high if suitable controls are NOT implemented.

Some common hazards associated with traffic control include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inadequate signage leading to misinformation and complacency
• Poor environmental conditions including weather conditions (i.e., fog), obstructions in work area (i.e., parked cars, vegetation, curves/hills, location of materials or equipment). These things can impair personnel and the general public’s ability to safely navigate through construction zones.
• Incidents of workplace violence including harassment such as irate drivers leading to potential conflicts.
• Physical hazards – temperature extremes, noise, etc.
• Health hazards – prolonged rigid stance, ultraviolet rays, respiratory exposures, etc.
• Distracted drivers and speeding through work areas

A hazard assessment must be completed prior to commencement of work as it is a means to ensure hazards, specific to the site, have been identified and controlled. In addition to this, it is a good starting point for developing a traffic control plan to show how traffic will be separated from workers and pedestrians to warn and guide traffic past, around and through the work site safely. A traffic control plan MUST, at a minimum, include the:

• Location of work
• Diagram
• The work to be undertaken
• The equipment required
• The number of traffic control persons needed
• The applicable regulations and manuals
• Public notifications
• Communication methods
• Emergency response plan

Controls are critical in managing hazards associated with work and tasks. Everyone has responsibilities to work safely and, considering the serious hazards and risk associated with work on public roadways and traffic control, it is important to implement effective measures using the hierarchy of controls

Employers have responsibilities to protect their workers as well as those NOT in their employ by prioritizing safety it will help in preventing accidents, delays, and disruptions in construction projects.  Below is a guide on how to ensure worker and public safety while undertaking work in construction zones in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Employers – Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association

In accordance with the NL OHS Regulations, personnel must complete a training course approved by WorkplaceNL which is valid for 3 years. There are two levels of training depending on a worker’s responsibility:

1. Traffic Control Person (TCP) Level 1 – For all individuals who will be performing duties as a traffic control person.
2. Traffic Control Person (TCP) Level 2 – For all individuals in a supervisory position responsible for things such as:

• • Developing traffic control plans
  • Overseeing traffic control work
  • Ensuring compliance with Traffic Control Plans and regulations, etc.

In addition to WorkplaceNL training, workers must receive instruction and training on:

• Specific procedures i.e., Traffic Control Plans, emergency response, SWPs, etc.
• Personal Protective Equipment, where applicable, respiratory &/or hearing protection, high visibility apparel, etc.
• Modes of communication such as 2 Way Radios &/or Flagging Signals including back-up procedures if there is a communication breakdown.
• Power Line Hazards
• Trenching & Excavation

Employers – Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association

https://ohsguide.workplacenl.ca/topic/traffic_control/