Emergency Procedures for Traffic Incidents at Coquitlam Work Sites

Every Coquitlam work zone should have an emergency procedure that fits the site, work activity, traffic-control plan, and permit conditions. Workers should know who can stop work, how to contact emergency services, how responders will access the scene, and who takes control of the traffic setup.

Before the shift

• Review the site-specific hazards, plan, and emergency contacts during orientation.
• Identify the designated traffic-control supervisor and site lead.
• Keep emergency and escape routes clear.
• Confirm the exact site address or location information for a 911 call.
• Establish communications between TCP positions and the work crew.
• Know where first-aid resources are and who holds the required workplace role.

WorkSafeBC Part 18 requires a risk assessment, traffic-control plan, supervision, safe TCP positioning, and emergency management provisions for traffic-control work. The employer's broader emergency and incident procedures also apply.

If a serious traffic incident occurs

Prioritize life safety. Stop affected work, call 911 when emergency assistance is required, follow the site emergency procedure, and protect workers and the public without creating another uncontrolled traffic hazard. Do not move injured people or disturb the scene except as necessary for immediate safety or as directed by emergency responders.

The designated site leads should coordinate traffic, preserve emergency access, account for workers, notify the required parties, and follow applicable reporting requirements. Field staff should not make public statements or admit liability on behalf of the project.

Before work resumes

Review the incident, hazards, traffic-control plan, equipment, crew positioning, and permit conditions. If the risk assessment is no longer valid or the work changed significantly, a qualified person must update it before workers are exposed again.

Safeside provides Coquitlam traffic-control support for approved projects. Include the project's emergency-access requirements when requesting traffic-control services.