Released on May 13, 2016
The Government of Saskatchewan urges motorists to take work zone safety seriously.“The safety of construction crews and the travelling public is our number one priority,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “Innovation, along with public education and enforcement, is at the forefront of our efforts to improve work zone safety.”
In addition to an annual public education campaign, new technology is being introduced for the construction season.
An Automated Flagger Assisted Device (AFAD) was recently piloted in Saskatchewan. The decision to pursue this technology was the result of collaboration between Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure staff and Potzus Ltd. The AFAD is a mechanically operated ‘stop-slow paddle’ or ‘red/amber signal’ device that is visible to motorists approaching the work zone. It is operated remotely by a flagger positioned outside of the travel lane.
“We want to eliminate injuries and deaths in work zones,” Potzus Ltd. Human Resources and Training Manager Brennan Wiens said. “This device has tested well on the road, with an immediate positive motorist response. By taking some of the most at-risk workers off the road surface, this device will go a long way in ensuring the safety of our employees.”
The flagger is the most exposed position in a work zone and innovative options such as AFAD allow the flagger to stand at a safe distance while remotely signaling and controlling traffic.
Recent improvements to work zones include simplified signage with regulatory black and white maximum speed limits, rumble strips and gates, photo enforcement and increased fines.
In August 2012, a flagperson was struck and fatally injured in a Highway 39 work zone. In 2015, three separate collisions occurred where a vehicle ran into the traffic queue at a flagging station. In two of these instances, a flagger was injured.
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For more information, contact:
Sonja Orban
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: sonja.orban@gov.sk.ca