Drivers Reminded to Respect Work Zones & Workers

Work zone violations and abusive language continue to be a daily reality for many City employees and contractors working on roadways and in other areas around Saskatoon.

“Our workers are reporting regularly on two dangerous and continuing trends,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “They often encounter drivers in a hurry who move work zone signs to take a short cut, and in some instances when the worker asks them to follow the detour in place, they are met with anger and abusive language.”

A work zone can be any location with posted signs and barriers to protect the workers and the public during a project or regular work. This includes road projects but also at other places where staff are working, such as the landfill, parks and in back lanes.

Regardless of where a work zone is, the rules remain the same – respect the work zone for your own safety and the safety of the workers. 

“Our employees face many hazards; drivers, cyclists and pedestrians entering work zones should not be one of those,” says Gardiner. “Workers need to be able to focus on their job and not be watching for traffic, guiding traffic, continually replacing signs to their appropriate locations or being bombarded with verbal abuse. We need everyone to respect the work zone and the workers at all times whether they are in a vehicle, on a bike or walking.”

Remember, a work zone can be anywhere workers are present or work is on-going. The City reminds people signs are not to be moved at any time and work zones are in effect 24 hours a day until signs are removed by City workers and a project area is deemed to be completely safe for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Respect the work zone – and the worker – wherever they are.

For more, please visit saskatoon.ca/respectworkzones.