Worker was struck by a vehicle partly because of 'inadequate planning'
In the town of Plessisville, Quebec, a routine maintenance task turned into a nightmare for a worker from Groupe Gagné Construction Inc. on September 6, 2023. The Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) recently unveiled the findings of its investigation into the incident, offering insights into the sequence of events that led to the worker's grievous injuries.
The worker and his colleague needed to enter a sewer manhole. They parked their pickup truck on the side of the road facing northeast and walked over the other side of the road where the manhole was located. “At that moment, a motor vehicle in the oncoming lane passed close to them. As a result, they decided to move the truck downstream of the manhole, into the northeast bound traffic lane and close to the lane centreline,” reads the report.
The worker stood behind the truck with his back to traffic while his colleague descended into the manhole to assess the work that needed to be done.
The report says “It was at this point that the worker was struck by a motor vehicle travelling in the same lane. Emergency services were called to the scene and the worker was transported to a hospital.”
Prior to the incident, a series of decisions unfolded, each contributing to the outcome. The investigation revealed "inadequate planning of the work associated with the manhole, coupled with deficient safety measures, exposed the worker to a perilous collision hazard.”
In the aftermath, CNESST wasted no time in enforcing immediate safety measures. Work within the sewer manhole was abruptly halted, and stringent directives were issued. "Ensure safe access to the manhole and deploy appropriate signage in adherence to prescribed standards outlined in Volume V – Road Signs and Signals," the CNESST mandated, leaving no room for ambiguity.
As the investigation progressed, it became evident that preventing such incidents required a multifaceted approach. "Thoroughly plan work activities in consideration of road traffic risks and meticulously adhere to prescribed signage standards," states the CNESST report.
Education and awareness are paramount. "Provide comprehensive training to workers, highlighting the hazards inherent in their work environment and emphasizing adherence to safety protocols," the report urges.
But the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on the shoulders of workers. Employers have a legal obligation to safeguard their employees' well-being. "Employers are legally bound to uphold the health and safety of their employees, necessitating diligent measures to mitigate risks," the report underscores.
CNESST vows to work hand in hand with key stakeholders, advocating for enhanced safety measures. "Emphasize the obligation of road managers to authorize any road occupation, along with the imperative for contractual specifications to mandate compliance with Volume V – Road Signs and Signals standards," CNESST implored, signaling a collective commitment to change.
The findings of the investigation weren't confined to paper. They were a call to action, resonating across the construction industry in Quebec, where road workers have experienced high rates of incidents in recent years.
