Poorly Installed Signs Played a Role in the Death of a Quebec Traffic Worker: CNESST

Poorly installed traffic sign tripods were a major factor that caused death of Lynda Lizotte, a flagger, last December in the Monteregie region. Traffic was being detoured to the northbound track due to work on telecommunications poles along the road heading south. Lizotte was standing near the open lane directing traffic, when a passing car struck and killed her. According to the investigation report prepared by the Commission des normes, de l’énergie, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), two road signs were found on the ground during Lizotte’s shift. Those signs did not withstand the weather because of poor installation. Following Lizotte’s death, CNESST required the employer to develop methods for the safe installation of signage. It also proposes for companies to make sure signs are rigid enough to resist the vibrations, wind, and other factors caused by passing cars. It favors the use of technology such as traffic lights for traffic control.