Every worker is someone’s someone: slow down and give crews space

With construction season ramping up, the City of Saskatoon is urging people to adjust how they move through streets, sidewalks and neighbourhoods where work is underway. These areas aren’t inconveniences to pass through quickly, they’re active job sites where people are doing skilled, often high-risk work. Every worker is someone’s someone.

Across Saskatoon, crews are repairing roads, maintaining water infrastructure, upgrading power systems and completing neighbourhood improvements. This work takes place in changing conditions, alongside live traffic and tight spaces, making awareness from the public a critical part of keeping everyone safe.

“Behind every work zone are people doing their jobs to help improve our community. They’re someone’s parents, partners, children and friends, and many are working just feet away from moving vehicles and heavy equipment for hours at a time,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction. “When drivers rush, become distracted or are inattentive, the consequences can be serious and put the safety of others at risk. Slowing down and following the guidance in place is one of the simplest ways we can help ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.”

The City is reminding all road users to take a more deliberate approach when encountering work zones:

• Treat every work zone as a restricted area. Follow posted signs and directions, and do not move or ignore barriers, cones or tape. They are there for your safety, and the safety of workers.

• Expect work anywhere. Crews may be on roadways, sidewalks, alleys or utility corridors, and work can happen at any time of day.

• Reduce speed and eliminate distractions. Staying focused protects both workers and the people travelling through the area.

Work zones are a necessary part of maintaining and improving city infrastructure, but they rely on cooperation from the public to function safely. Taking a few extra seconds to slow down or follow a detour helps prevent injuries and keeps projects moving forward.

More information about work zone safety is available at saskatoon.ca/respectworkzones.