Safe Practices for Working in High Traffic Areas

Housekeeping & Site Organization
English (Canada)

The Problem

High-traffic areas on worksites are among the most hazardous environments for workers. Moving vehicles, mobile equipment, and pedestrian traffic create significant risks of being struck by machinery or caught between objects. Today, we’ll identify the dangers, discuss Canadian occupational health and safety requirements, and review how to protect ourselves and others in these areas.

Identify the Hazards

  • Struck-by Hazards: Workers being hit by vehicles, forklifts, or mobile equipment, especially in blind spots.
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  • Caught-in Hazards: Workers getting pinned between moving machinery and fixed objects.
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  • Pedestrian Hazards: Lack of designated walkways or failure to follow safety protocols.
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  • Reduced Visibility: Poor lighting, bad weather, or obstructed sightlines increasing the risk of incidents.

    • Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

    Plan Traffic Management Measures

    • Use physical barriers, cones, and clear signage to separate vehicles and pedestrians.
    • Implement trained spotters or traffic controllers to manage flow when visibility is reduced.
    • Establish well-marked pedestrian walkways and dedicated vehicle routes.

    Stay Visible

    • Always wear high-visibility clothing that meets CSA standards for high-visibility apparel.
    • Avoid standing in or walking through known blind spots.

    Communicate Effectively

    • Use two-way radios or approved hand signals to coordinate safely.
    • Confirm eye contact with operators before entering their path.

    Follow Site Traffic Rules

    • Stick to designated pedestrian paths—never take shortcuts through vehicle zones.
    • Obey posted speed limits, stop signs, and site-specific controls.

    Inspect and Maintain Equipment

    • Ensure mobile equipment has functioning reversing alarms, mirrors, and lights.
    • Carry out daily checks on all vehicles and report any defects immediately.

    Weather Precautions

    • Use extra care in wet, foggy, or icy conditions.
    • Ensure all site lighting is sufficient for the time of day and weather conditions.

    Real-Life Case or Scenario

    Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

    On a recent construction site, a worker was struck by a reversing telehandler because they were standing in the operator’s blind spot and weren’t wearing high-visibility clothing. The backup alarm had also failed. This incident could have been prevented through better visibility, equipment checks, and adherence to site traffic protocols.

    Employee Responsibilities

    • Wear high-visibility PPE at all times in traffic zones.
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    • Stay alert and avoid distractions like phones or headphones.
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    • Report unsafe traffic layouts or faulty equipment immediately.

    Employer Responsibilities

    • Develop and enforce a traffic management plan as required by Canadian occupational health and safety regulations.
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    • Provide workers with high-visibility gear and appropriate safety training.
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    • Ensure all machinery is maintained and safety features are functioning properly.

    Discussion & Questions

    • What are the biggest traffic-related risks you’ve seen on our site?
    • Have you had a near miss involving a vehicle or mobile equipment?

    Encourage everyone to share experiences or raise concerns.

    Commitment/Action Plan

    Let’s commit to staying visible, alert, and following all traffic control measures. Starting today, ensure high-visibility clothing is worn, pedestrian zones are used, and all communication with drivers is clear and consistent.

    Wrap-Up

    High-traffic areas carry real risks, but with good communication, clear traffic control, and worker awareness, we can prevent serious injuries. Thank you for making traffic safety a priority on our worksite.

    Standards Overview

    • Employers and workplace parties must manage risks associated with vehicle and mobile equipment movement.
    • A traffic management plan should be developed where vehicles and pedestrians interact.
    • High-visibility PPE must be provided and worn when there is a risk of being struck.

    Disclaimer

    “The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.

    It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.

    Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.

    All Rights Reserved Site App Pro 2025

    Last Updated:
    July 25, 2025