How can employers protect traffic workers during snow clearing operations?
One worker conducting snow clearing in Quebec died after being struck by a heavy vehicle, according to police.
The incident happened on Monday. Shortly before 1 p.m. the Gatineau Police Department (SPVG) responded to a call related to a collision involving a heavy vehicle and a pedestrian near the intersection of Boulevard La Vérendrye O and Rue de Cannes.
Police identified the pedestrian as a worker from a subcontracting company during a snow removal operation taking place in the area.
The worker was pronounced dead at the scene, according to SPVG.
A security perimeter was erected at the scene for an indefinite period so the police can protect it and carry out assessments, according to the police service.
“At this time, there is no evidence of criminality. Investigators are assisting the coroner in determining the causes and circumstances of the incident,” the SPVG said.
La Vérendrye Boulevard West, between Gatineau Avenue and de Cannes Street, as well as de Cannes Street, between de Rayol and de Saint-Vallier Streets, were also closed to traffic for an indefinite period.
“The SPVG encourages motorists to plan their trips and take alternative routes,” the SPVG said.
What precautions should you take when clearing snow?
According to Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), employers can protect workers conducting snow clearing operations by identifying and assessing winter hazards throughout the season.
“Use every tool at your disposal, including daily inspections, incident reports, complaints, and one-up observations,” it said.
It noted that employers should answer the following questions, among others:
- Are snow and ice promptly cleared from walkways, parking lots and loading docks?
- Are they deposited in a safe place?
- Are entrances and exits to buildings unobstructed and overhanging snowdrifts removed?
- Are parking lot sight lines open?
- Could melting runoff turn into black ice?
Meanwhile, the Quebec government noted on its website that, to do their job properly, “snowplow operators must operate at a maximum speed of 50 km/h”.
Too high a speed can:
- affect the quality of snow removal operations;
- drop the snow behind the vehicle rather than push it off the road;
- reduce road user visibility;
- compact or push the snow less effectively, since it is then spread outside the traffic lane.
“When snow removal takes place on a road that has more than one lane of traffic, such as highways, several snow removal trucks are used. They have no choice but to stay in the lane to be plowed even if it is a passing lane,” said the government.
“Snow removal work is indispensable but inherently hazardous,” added Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment.
“By adopting proper safety measures, such as wearing appropriate PPE, maintaining equipment, and following best practices, workers can significantly reduce the risks associated with their tasks.
“Staying informed and vigilant ensures that these vital workers can perform their duties safely and efficiently, even in the harshest winter conditions.”
