This paper was presented at the "Speed limits, safety and special conditions" session. These proceedings are available on CD-ROM. Saskatchewan like other jurisdictions has had to come to grips with work zone safety. Changes to the Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act, demands from the public (sometimes reflected through litigation), and an overall increased awareness created the necessity for the Department to examine the question. The Department's approach was three fold: 1. Going outside the Department to have a comprehensive work zone manual developed ("Saskatchewan traffic control devices manual for work zones"); 2. Using the manual as a text book and developing a work zone training course ("Work zone traffic accomodation course"); and 3. Delivering the course to Department's and contractor's employees ("Traffic accomodation supervisors") parallel to these initiatives was the requirement that major work zones had to have a Traffic accomodation supervisor who had successfully completed the Work zone traffic accomodation course assigned to the project. This paper examines the Department's attempt to assess the success of the above initiatives. To that end the Department undertook a 'Work zone audit' focusing on the training, standards and other specifications that were to be adhered to and assessing the effectiveness of the initiatives. Audits were done in 1995, 1996, and 1997 and are planned for 1998. (A)
Abstract