From 2005 to 2008 in B.C. 15 traffic control persons (TCPs) were struck by motor vehicles that did not slow down in traffic control zones. Most of these incidents resulted in significant but not life-threatening injuries to the TCPs. However, in two of them the TCPs died. The first of these fatalities occurred in 2006 when a motorist — later convicted of impaired driving — drove past the lane closure devices at high speed before striking the TCP. In a 2008 incident the TCP died when a visually impaired motorist, driving without a valid licence, struck the TCP with his pickup truck.

In each of these 15 incidents, the TCP had to try to jump as quickly as possible out of harm's way. WorkSafeBC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 18, sets out the requirements for traffic control. However, WorkSafeBC encourages all employers to provide protective systems and policies that exceed these minimum requirements in order to minimize the risk to TCPs.

• Use TCPs only in one of the following circumstances:

- when signs and other traffic control devices and procedures cannot provide effective traffic control
- when emergency or brief duration work makes it impractical to control traffic with signs and other devices and procedures
• Plan and assess escape routes based on the traffic control layout but also on the time needed to jump safely out of the way if a vehicle does not stop as directed.
• Assess the level of risk faced by the TCP in each situation. Consider traffic speed, direction, and volume as well as weather conditions and the time of day or night.
• Ensure that TCPs stand in a safe position, are clearly visible, and have an unobstructed view of approaching traffic. A safe position is usually on the side of the shoulder of the road, out of the way of vehicles.
• Ensure that TCPs are trained to the required standard and have current qualifications.

For more information on the training requirements for TCPs, visit the Construction Safety Network' s web site at www.safetynetwork.bc.ca. Under "Quick Links" click on "Traffic Control Person Training."