In the town of Plessisville, Quebec, a routine maintenance task turned into a nightmare for a worker from Groupe Gagné Construction Inc. on September 6, 2023. The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) recently unveiled its investigation findings. The report offers insights into the events leading to the worker’s grievous injuries.
The worker and his colleague needed to enter a sewer manhole. They parked their truck on the side of the road facing northeast. They then walked to the other side of the road where the manhole was located. “At that moment, a motor vehicle in the oncoming lane passed close to them. They decided to move the truck downstream of the manhole. They parked it in the northeast-bound traffic lane, close to the lane centerline,” the report reads.
The worker stood behind the truck with his back to traffic. Meanwhile, his colleague descended into the manhole to assess the work needed.
In Plessisville, Quebec, a routine maintenance task turned into a worker’s nightmare on September 6, 2023. The CNESST recently disclosed investigation findings, shedding light on events leading to the worker’s serious injuries.
Parking their truck on the roadside facing northeast, the worker and colleague crossed to the manhole’s side. Upon a nearby vehicle passing, they relocated the truck downstream to the lane centerline.
The worker, positioned behind the truck, witnessed a tragic incident as his colleague descended into the manhole.
Resultantly, the worker suffered injuries from a passing vehicle, prompting emergency services’ intervention.
Preceding the incident, a sequence of decisions unfolded, ultimately contributing to the outcome. Investigations revealed inadequate planning and safety measures, exposing the worker to a hazardous collision.
CNESST Investigation Highlights Road Worker Safety Imperatives
CNESST promptly enforced safety measures, suspending work within the manhole and issuing stringent directives. Compliance with road signage standards was mandated.
The investigation underscored the necessity of a comprehensive approach to prevent such incidents. Emphasis on thorough planning and adherence to safety protocols is paramount.
Education and awareness emerged as crucial components, with comprehensive training highlighting workplace hazards.
Employers bear legal responsibility for employee safety, necessitating diligent risk mitigation measures.
CNESST pledges collaborative efforts with stakeholders to enhance safety measures, advocating for compliance with road occupation standards.
The investigation’s findings serve as a wake-up call, resonating across Quebec’s construction industry. Addressing high incident rates among road workers requires immediate action and change.