Worker stopping traffic nets Kelowna traffic control company $45,000 fine

A Kelowna traffic control company has been fined $45,000 after an employee stepped into the road to stop traffic so a truck and trailer could pull out of the job site.

According to a March 2 WorkSafeBC inspection report, Domcor Traffic Control International was contracted to do traffic control on Pandosy Street during the construction of a six-storey building.

When a WorkSafeBC inspector arrived on site last February, they saw a worker step out onto Pandosy Street to stop the traffic.

“They informed me that they are aware that traffic control persons are prohibited from controlling traffic in the active portion of the roadway but made the decision to do it because there was no other way,” the WorkSafeBC inspection report reads.

WorkSafeBC found issues with the company’s traffic control.

“The placement of traffic control signage and cones and the layout of the work area did not match the layout in the traffic control plan. Placement of traffic control persons… did not match and the detour was not included,” the inspection report said.

WorkSafeBC found that required information was missing from a risk assessment of the jobsite, which included information about where traffic control persons should be positioned, site-specific orientation and escape routes, and the level of supervision needed.

“The employer is reminded that due diligence requires taking all reasonable steps to protect workers from harm,” the report reads.

“In addition, the firm failed to ensure traffic control devices were positioned and used as specified in the traffic control plan and failed to ensure worker exposure to traffic was minimized by applying control measures, both high-risk violations,” the penalty notice reads.

WorkSafeBC said these are repeated violations and issued a $45,209 fine.