Every act matters - let’s keep construction zones safe for all

Feature story Construction is a necessary and familiar part of life in Ottawa. With over $700 million being invested into infrastructure to improve and maintain public assets including roads, water facilities, buildings and parks, culverts, sidewalks, and bridges – some noise and disruption are unfortunately, inevitable. As the busy construction season begins, the City is launching a public awareness campaign to promote mutual respect and safety in construction zones: Respect. Patience. Safety for All! This campaign highlights the critical importance of safety in construction zones. We all share the responsibility of keeping our roads, neighborhoods, and workspaces safe during construction. That means slowing down, following detours, and staying patient. Respect. Patience. Safety for All    Construction can be disruptive. Care and patience from everyone are essential. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to stay alert and follow signage when near construction areas, both for their own safety, and for the safety of those on the job. Workers are encouraged to approach their duties with empathy and understanding that detours, noise, and delays can be frustrating. Mutual kindness and consideration go a long way in easing tension and keeping interactions respectful. To learn more about the campaign, please see the Respect. Patience. Safety for All webpage. Construction zones are workplaces Every day, City staff and contractors work hard to improve our roads, transit systems, facilities and public spaces. They perform demanding tasks in all kinds of weather, often while navigating active traffic, managing heavy equipment and maintaining strict safety protocols to protect both themselves and the public Recognizing construction zones as workplaces can help shift our perspective from frustration to respect, reminding us that the workers deserve to get home safely at the end of the day. Residents and workers alike can play a role in keeping everyone safe. As a commuter, be aware of how you can help:

• Stay alert – Speed limits and signs in construction zones are in place to protect both workers and drivers. To ensure everyone’s safety, slow down, stay alert, and follow all posted directions.
• Avoid distractions – Focus on the construction zones, whether you’re driving, biking, or walking.
• Plan ahead – Find out if construction will be part of your route and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Planning ahead can help you avoid delays and reduce stress along the way.
• Respect all work zones – Construction sites exist in parks, inside public facilities, or on the road. Follow signage, respect barricades, and avoid entering work areas.

As a contractor you can contribute to safety by:

• Providing clear delineation of construction zones: make sure that the navigation of construction sites is easy to understand and follow by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Empathizing with the community - Recognize the challenges commuters and residents face. Empathize with concerns and provide practical solutions to ease confusion.
• Prioritizing on-site safety - Maintain a secure work environment by using trained signallers, skilled equipment operators, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including highly visible clothing.

When drivers, cyclists and pedestrians stay focused and cautious, and workers remain vigilant, we can ensure that everyone, whether they are walking to work or pouring concrete, gets home safely at the end of the day. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky and Instagram.