Alberta government updating rules to protect roadside workers

“Unfortunately, between 2014 and 2018, there’s actually been over 2,000 injuries involving roadside workers within the province of Alberta,” said Dreeshen, “which is obviously a staggering number and we want to do everything we can to get that number to zero.”

CEO of the Alberta Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association Ron Glenn said there are over 50,000 roadside workers in Alberta.

“In highway maintenance, there’s between 1,400 and 1,600 workers that are out there keeping the highways safe of debris, fixing the guard rails, plowing snow, and ice control in the winter time,” said Glenn. “They’re keeping the roads safe for you.”

Volker Stevin Highways Vice President Scott Emerson expressed thanks to the various stakeholder groups that helped bring about the updates.

“The government’s commitment to the safety of our workforce, the safety of travelling Albertans is exceptional,” said Emerson. “By including roadside workers in this legislation, we are making sure that everybody gets a chance to go home safely every day.”

Currently, only tow truck drivers and first responders are protected under this provision in the Traffic Safety Act.

The updated law will also apply to roadside workers, highway maintenance workers, and snowplow operators.

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by Nathaniel Leigh

Alberta government updating rules to protect roadside workers

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