Ontario Traffic Council Book 7: Temporary Work Conditions

A work area is any area where work takes place and/or equipment and materials are stored. For employees who work on public roadways, the work area is not necessarily a fixed location. Employers are required to provide adequate traffic control devices and worker safety training to protect employees who work in temporary work zones that result from construction, surveying, maintenance, utility and unplanned event response within a public road allowance. Ontario Traffic Council Book 7 provides basic guidelines for traffic control to ensure safety of workers and motorists.

Extend the LBA to keep workers safe. The LBA - Longitudinal Buffer Area - provides protection to traffic and workers by providing an opportunity for drivers to brake between the end of the transition area and the work area. Temporary work conditions in winter such as snow and ice require that the LBA be extended. This affects any worker who works on slippery roads, including utility workers and workers performing maintenance and snow clearing activities. 

Did you know? 
It is still considered a work area even if work is temporarily stopped if the road has not returned to its normal operating conditions.

Who is required to have Ontario Traffic Council Book 7 Training?

Employers are required to train workers exposed to traffic hazards or construction vehicles and to develop Traffic Protection Plans for workers who may be exposed to traffic and vehicle hazards.
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Ontario Traffic Council (OTC) Book 7 training is a 1 day course that provides employers, supervisors, inspectors and workers with an overview of the OHSA and regulations related to traffic control in maintenance and construction work zones, including comprehensive training on the Book 7 requirements and guidelines. Contact MidSouthWest today to schedule an OTC Book 7 Training class at your location.

Best Practices: Traffic Protection Plans

• Plans are developed in advance with consultation from supervisors and workers
• Traffic Protection Plans are kept at the road work project or construction site
• Workers who may be exposed to traffic hazards are familiar with the Traffic Protection Plan and have received OTC Book 7 Training
• Devices such as signs, cones and barricades are in good condition and placed correctly
• Devices are used in accordance with OTC Book 7: Temporary Conditions
• Signallers wear high visibility clothing and do not perform any other work while directly traffic.

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Last updated December 14, 2018