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One of the most important concerns these workers have is health and safety. Work zone safety measures can determine whether a worker returns home at the end of a shift.
Ottawa (26 September, 2018) — Representatives for workers who inspect commercial transportation vehicles on Canada’s highways are meeting to discuss a number of issues that are important to the sector. The meeting of highway safety officers, who are members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), is taking place in Ottawa on October 1.
Inspection, enforcement, safety checks
Highway safety officers perform advanced technical inspections on all vehicles used in the transportation industry. They enforce laws, regulations, and standards governing provincial highway transportation systems. This is done through the operation of inspection and weigh stations, and through regular safety checks or spot checks of maintenance records. They also enforce public safety on provincial off-road trails.These officers work with provincial law enforcement agencies to ensure that people ride safely, drive responsibly and comply with the law.
Some examples of this work include
- inspections of school bus mechanical safety, carrier records, and driver qualification
- inspections of public passenger buses and motor coaches
- inspections of trucks, tractors, trailers, cargo tanks, dangerous goods and cargo securement
- Inspections of driver records and credentials, and driving time
- Inspections of ambulance mechanical and medical equipment.
Concerns about violence and work zone safety
One of the most important concerns these workers have is health and safety. Work zone safety measures can determine whether a worker returns home at the end of a shift. Larry Brown, President of NUPGE, explains that "working to enforce laws governing provincial highway transportation systems should not put these workers' health and safety at risk."
There are also concerns about motorist failing to slow down and move over when passing patrol vehiclesare engaged in roadside inspections. The number of near misses on highways is becoming almost an everyday occurrence for officers on mobile patrols. Officers are also finding more encounters with aggressive, rude, belligerent, threatening, and violent members of the public.
NUPGE members from across the country will be able to share information, best practices and strategize about issues at this meeting.