How can employers ensure workers' safety around moving vehicles?
A Quebec construction worker remains hospitalised following a serious incident at a vehicle garage in Montreal's Lachine borough, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing vehicular hazards within maintenance facilities.
The incident, reported by the Montreal Gazette, occurred Friday afternoon at approximately 1 p.m. at a garage located on Norman Street near Richer Street, close to Highway 20.
The severity of the initial trauma was evident when responders arrived; the victim was "considered to be in serious condition" upon the ambulance's arrival at the scene, according to the Montreal Gazette.
Montreal police Constable Jean-Pierre Brabant indicated that there are no criminal charges expected to be laid in relation to the event.
According to the International Labour Organization, employers’ risk assessment must consider moving vehicles in the workplace. The organisation advises that employers do the following:
- look carefully at all the vehicles and people moving round their workplace;
- mark the traffic and pedestrian movements on a plan so they can see where pedestrians and vehicles interact;
- identify improvements that will reduce the contact between pedestrians and vehicles;
- remember to include less frequent tasks, e.g., waste skip changes;
- ensure appropriate vehicles are being used in the work area, i.e., not using diesel-powered trucks inside;
- make sure you consider delivery drivers as they are particularly vulnerable.
