City unveils new, “one-of-a-kind” prototypes for construction workers safety

The City of Saskatoon has unveiled two “one-of-a-kind” prototype pieces of equipment, designed to ensure the safety of on-site construction workers while setting up.

At a press conference Wednesday in the SaskTel Centre parking lot, city general manager of transportation and construction, Terry Schmidt revealed the new prototypes.

“Unfortunately, it took some near-fatal incidents for us to go down the path of changing the way we set up work zones on busy streets,” he said. “No one should get hurt at work, so we need to do anything possible to protect our staff.”

Behind the modified truck, another vehicle with an installed crash cushion acts as a physical barrier for the moving work zones.

Additional electronic signage is also part of the new fleet, as drivers react quicker to that specific messaging. #yxe #yxecc pic.twitter.com/k9Ten5eI2v

— Brady Lang (@BradyLangSK) July 15, 2020

Previously, construction workers would have to walk out safety cones, to mark out the construction zones.

Now, with the new prototype, workers are inside physical barriers, working from the modified bed of a city pickup truck. Additionally, a crash barrier vehicle with digital area signage follows the truck, further protecting workers from the chance of a dangerous accident.

Both pieces of equipment cost the city $65,000 a piece, totalling $130,000. The equipment was developed with help from city construction workers.

Schmidt says the feedback from workers has been positive, as they brought their experiences into creating the new infrastructure.

Saskatonians can expect to see the new fleet on city streets during the upcoming summer construction season.