BURNABY /CNW/ - The Work Zone Safety Alliance has launched its 2012 Cone Zone campaign - a road safety initiative that encourages drivers to take care when driving near roadside workers. The campaign encourages drivers to reduce their speed, avoid driver distraction, and respect the roadside as a workplace when driving through the "Cone Zone."
"This is the busiest time of the year for road construction, so it is important for drivers to pay attention and avoid distractions in work zones," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minster Blair Lekstrom. "These workers are sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, and we want every one of them to return home to their families after work."
For roadside workers the "Cone Zone" is a potentially high-risk work environment in close proximity to traffic. In the last 10 years, WorkSafeBC has received 386 claims from workers - typically working in Cone Zones - who were struck by motor vehicles. Of the claims, 46 per cent were classified as serious injuries and three per cent resulted in the death of the worker.
The summer months see an increase in roadside work. These set-ups are not always road construction. Municipal workers, landscapers, tow-truck drivers, telecommunications and utility workers, and emergency and enforcement personnel set up "Cone Zones".
When you enter the "Cone Zone," reduce your speed, pay attention, and be respectful of the roadside workers and their workplace.
For more information visit ConeZoneBC.com.