As Quebec Safety Awareness Week kicks off, drivers are being reminded to watch out for road workers and follow safety protocols.
The annual campaign, organized by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), aims to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety and prevent accidents.
According to the CNESST, there were 1,500 workplace accidents involving road workers in Quebec last year, resulting in 10 fatalities. These numbers serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who work on our roads.
As part of the campaign, the CNESST is urging drivers to slow down and pay attention when approaching construction zones. They also remind drivers to follow posted speed limits and respect traffic signs and signals.
In addition, the CNESST is calling on employers to ensure that their workers have the necessary training and equipment to safely carry out their duties. This includes providing proper safety gear, such as high-visibility clothing, and implementing traffic control measures to protect workers.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “Safety is everyone’s business,” emphasizing the shared responsibility of both employers and drivers in ensuring the safety of road workers.
The CNESST also encourages workers to speak up if they feel unsafe on the job and to report any hazardous situations to their employer or the CNESST.
As we enter the busy summer construction season, it is crucial for drivers to be mindful of road workers and for employers to prioritize the safety of their employees. Let us all do our part to make sure that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.
