Traffic Control During the Fall/Winter Construction Season in Ontario

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, Ontario’s construction industry faces a new set of seasonal hazards. The fall and early winter months bring shorter days, unpredictable weather, and slippery surfaces that make both construction work and traffic control more complex.

This guide by Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC) focuses on the unique challenges of traffic control and worker safety in Ontario’s fall and winter construction zones. Whether you’re managing road work, utilities, or infrastructure maintenance, planning for these months means preparing for visibility issues, speed control, and the unpredictable nature of Ontario weather.

Why Fall and Winter Require a Different Safety Approach in Ontario

Ontario’s climate can change dramatically from October through February. Roads transition from dry and clear to slick with rain, ice, or snow within hours. Drivers adjust poorly to early darkness and slippery surfaces, and construction zones become even more hazardous.

Some of the biggest challenges for Ontario worksites include:

• Reduced daylight hours: Sunset before 5:00 p.m. can drastically reduce visibility.
• Icy and snow-covered surfaces: Freeze-thaw cycles lead to black ice, slush, and loss of traction.
• Frost and fog: Morning conditions can create glare or reduced sight lines.
• Slower reaction times for drivers: Snow, sleet, or rain mean longer stopping distances.
• Equipment performance: Cold temperatures affect batteries, hydraulic systems, and materials.

At STC, we remind all employers that fall and winter construction work requires its own hazard assessment, traffic control plan, and worker protection strategy—not just an extension of summer work.

Key Elements of Ontario Fall/Winter Traffic Control

1. Planning and Risk Assessment

Before starting work, conduct a site-specific risk assessment that accounts for weather, road conditions, and driver behaviour.

Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91) require employers to take every reasonable precaution for worker protection—including conditions caused by weather.

Planning steps should include:

• Reviewing Environment Canada weather alerts and municipal road maintenance schedules.
• Identifying low-lying or shaded areas prone to frost or ice buildup.
• Reviewing sightlines under reduced-light conditions.
• Verifying that your Traffic Control Plan (TCP) meets Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Book 7 standards for temporary conditions.
• Establishing a process for modifying or suspending work when conditions become unsafe.

2. Worker Visibility and Cold-Weather Safety

In Ontario’s dark, wet, and snowy months, visibility is a lifesaver.

All workers directing or exposed to traffic must wear Class 3 high-visibility apparel that meets CSA Z96-15 standards. This includes retroreflective striping visible in headlights or low-light conditions.

Additional worker protection tips:

• Slip and fall prevention: Clear snow and ice from access routes, scaffolds, and staging areas. Use sand or salt to improve traction.
• Layered PPE: Select waterproof outer shells and insulated gloves that do not compromise dexterity.
• Cold stress awareness: Provide training on hypothermia and frostbite recognition. Warm shelters or heated vehicles should be available for breaks.
• Pre-shift safety talks: Review weather conditions, surface hazards, and required adjustments to the TCP daily.

At STC, we emphasize that worker safety is not only about compliance—it’s about protecting lives. Every shift should start with situational awareness.

3. Traffic Control Devices and Equipment

Ontario’s Temporary Conditions Manual (Book 7) outlines how to properly install and maintain traffic control devices. During fall and winter, additional precautions are necessary:

• Reflectivity: Use high-intensity or retroreflective signage for dark or foggy conditions.
• Placement: Extend advance warning distances to give motorists more time to react in slippery conditions.
• Ballasting: Cones, barrels, and delineators should be weighted to resist wind and snow displacement.
• Lighting: Portable floodlights or flashing amber beacons can dramatically improve visibility for both motorists and workers.
• Snow management: Identify safe snow storage areas that do not block signs or channelizing devices.
• Markings: Use cold-weather-compatible paint or tape that adheres to pavement below freezing.

Traffic control devices must be inspected daily for damage or visibility issues caused by weather. Replace damaged or faded equipment immediately.

4. Speed Management and Motorist Behaviour

Speed is a major factor in Ontario work-zone incidents. Reduced friction on icy or snowy roads increases stopping distances and decreases control.

Best practices for managing speed include:

• Lower posted speed limits through work zones and ensure compliance through signage or radar feedback boards.
• Install “Workers Ahead,” “Slippery When Wet,” and “Reduced Speed” warnings well in advance.
• Use cones and barrels to gently narrow lanes and encourage slower travel.
• Provide advanced signage and lighting for flagging operations to ensure visibility at dusk or in snow.
• Train flaggers to stay clear of live traffic lanes and use illuminated wands or back-lit stop/slow paddles.

Remember: a vehicle travelling 80 km/h on a dry road may need 60 metres to stop—but on ice or packed snow, that distance can double or triple.

5. Monitoring Weather and Road Conditions

Constant monitoring is essential during Ontario’s transitional months.

Supervisors should:

• Track Environment Canada forecasts and road condition reports.
• Conduct morning surface checks for frost, standing water, or ice.
• Use anti-slip materials on access roads and walkways.
• Halt work if conditions exceed safe limits, such as freezing rain, high winds, or heavy snowfall.
• Document daily conditions and decisions in the site log for compliance and review.

Having a contingency plan—including communication with local road authorities and snow-removal contractors—can prevent delays and accidents.

6. Vehicle and Equipment Winterization

Ontario’s cold affects not only workers but machinery. Equipment that runs flawlessly in summer can fail in sub-zero temperatures.

To maintain safety and reliability:

• Conduct full winter service before November: inspect tires, fluids, wipers, heaters, and defrosters.
• Use winter-grade fuel and lubricants where applicable.
• Ensure all lighting systems are clean and functional.
• Keep emergency kits in every vehicle—blankets, traction aids, flares, and first-aid supplies.
• Allow warm-up time before operating hydraulics or brakes.

When possible, store vehicles indoors overnight to reduce freeze damage and condensation buildup.

Checklist for Ontario Fall/Winter Traffic Control

To simplify daily operations, STC recommends the following checklist:

• ✅ Review weather and road reports before each shift.
• ✅ Conduct a pre-shift hazard assessment.
• ✅ Verify high-visibility clothing for all personnel.
• ✅ Inspect traffic control devices for reflectivity, stability, and snow obstruction.
• ✅ Confirm all signage meets MTO Book 7 requirements.
• ✅ Inspect and warm up equipment before use.
• ✅ Apply salt, sand, or anti-slip materials as required.
• ✅ Record observations and actions in a daily safety log.
• ✅ Conduct post-shift review for incident or near-miss reports.

Guidance for Ontario Drivers

While STC’s focus is on construction safety, public awareness is equally vital. Motorists play a key role in protecting workers.

Ontario drivers should remember:

• Slow down in work zones—especially when the road is wet, icy, or snow-covered.
• Watch for workers and equipment, even outside daylight hours.
• Avoid sudden lane changes near work zones, especially when road markings are obscured by snow.
• Leave extra stopping distance—double or triple the space you’d normally use.
• Avoid distractions: No phone calls or texting. Focus fully on the road.
• Use headlights early: Low visibility requires proactive lighting to see and be seen.

STC encourages employers and municipalities to include public signage campaigns reminding drivers that construction zones remain active throughout the fall and early winter.

Common Mistakes on Ontario Winter Projects

STC often observes recurring issues that compromise safety:

Ontario Case Example: Managing a Late-Season Highway Project

Imagine a municipal road rehabilitation in Simcoe County continuing into late November.

Conditions include freezing nights, wet mornings, and reduced daylight.

STC would advise:

1. Conducting morning hazard assessments for frost and puddles.
2. Using extra-reflective signs and lighting for early dusk.
3. Reducing speed through the work zone to 60 km/h or less.
4. Requiring all workers to wear insulated, reflective outerwear.
5. Keeping snow storage areas well away from sightlines and signage.
6. Monitoring conditions throughout the day and suspending work if freezing rain begins.
7. Documenting all adjustments and worker briefings for due diligence.

This example reflects what Ontario contractors face each fall: balancing productivity with safety amid changing weather.

Why Partner with STC

At Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd., our mission is to protect Ontario workers through proactive education, compliance, and leadership.

Our team brings over 15 years of experience delivering CPO-approved safety training, traffic control education, and consulting services across Ontario industries—including construction, healthcare, industrial, and mining.

By partnering with STC, you gain:

• Expertise in Ontario regulations and MTO standards.
• Tailored on-site or classroom training in traffic control, worker visibility, and seasonal hazard management.
• Integrated HR and safety support, ensuring that policies, procedures, and workplace culture align with compliance and care.
• Proven guidance on risk reduction, helping leaders prepare for MLITSD inspections and uphold due diligence year-round.

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s fall and winter construction seasons demand awareness, adaptability, and teamwork. Icy roads, reduced daylight, and unpredictable weather conditions make traffic control a vital line of defence between workers and moving vehicles.

With the right planning, visibility, and commitment to safety, Ontario construction firms can continue operations confidently while protecting every person on site.

At STC, we believe that every worker deserves to go home safely—no matter the season or the temperature.