FROM THE FIELD: THEO MCPHERSON
Welcome to the busy summer paving and infrastructure season!
June in Manitoba is notorious for severe weather (if you haven’t noticed), bringing sudden heavy rainstorms that instantly complicate active worksites. These intense downpours frequently cause localized flash flooding and standing water, creating serious slip, trip, and excavation hazards for our crews. When roads wash out or catch basins clog, construction timelines are directly impacted.
Furthermore, unpredictable weather reduces driver visibility and makes road surfaces slick. Motorists often fail to adjust their driving speeds through active work zones, putting roadside personnel at high risk. Whether you are building roads or upgrading underground sewer pipes, keeping your team safe is the top priority.
To protect your workers, supervisors must immediately evaluate the work zone after a storm. Inspect trenches for cave-ins and ensure all shoring or trench boxes are secure before anyone enters. Ensure heavy equipment is properly maintained to avoid sliding in muddy conditions.
In addition to physical hazards, workers must watch out for physical overexertion, as mid-season sprains and strains are common during intense weather events. Always ensure all temporary erosion and stormwater management controls are in place to prevent environmental spills.
Finally, communicate with your flaggers to ensure they not only have the proper high-visibility gear to manage traffic, but it is clean and intact, so it is still highly visible as intended. Let us all work together to slow down, stay alert, and ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of the shift!
