// Driving

Road Work - Traffic Control Person

What is a traffic control person? A traffic control person directs worksite and public traffic, ensuring the safety of all parties.

What is a traffic control person?

A traffic control person directs worksite and public traffic, ensuring the safety of all parties. The main role is to: Only use traffic control persons when other methods of traffic control are not adequate. Always use barriers, barricades, lane control devices, traffic signal lights, sign trucks, and other methods as appropriate.

requirement Stop, slow, and safely direct traffic through work or construction sites.
requirement Protect workers in the construction zone by regulating traffic flow.
requirement Give traffic control directions and signals clearly and precisely so that motorists understand their meaning.
requirement Keep the flow of traffic moving with as few delays as possible.

Is training required by occupational health and safety laws?

context Yes. Most Canadian jurisdictions require that a person who is controlling traffic have training, complete a certificate, or be considered competent. The Canadian Federal jurisdiction’s occupational health and safety laws do not directly address training requirements for a traffic control person.
context Each jurisdiction has specific requirements. For example, Ontario specifies that each traffic control person receives adequate oral and written instruction from the employer in a language the worker understands before performing traffic control duties. Northwest Territories requires that the employer ensure the designated signaler is trained to carry out their duties to ensure the signaler’s safety and the safety of other workers.
context This fact sheet does not cover all of the education or training required for a traffic control person. Always confirm any requirements with your local jurisdiction.

What should a traffic control person know before each job?

Before starting each job, know:

requirement The overall traffic protection plan and layout of the traffic control zone.
requirement Your duties, role and responsibilities.
administrative What training is required, and verify that you have the right training for this job.
requirement What activities will be done on the work or construction site (e.g., paving, grading, etc.).
requirement What equipment is present and how the equipment will be operated (e.g., scrapers, trucks, graders, etc.).
ppe What personal protective equipment is required.
administrative Practices and procedures for that job (how to stop and slow traffic), where to stand, etc. The traffic control zone will vary depending on the speed allowed on the roadway, volume of traffic, weather conditions, if there is a curve or hill, etc.
requirement What communication methods will be used, including how to use radios, hand signals, etc.
requirement What to do in an emergency, including your personal escape route in case a vehicle comes too close.
requirement Be sure you have adequate eyesight and hearing ability to do this job safely.
requirement How communication will be handled if there is a need for a third (or more) traffic control person, such as when the work zone is around curves or hills where sight lines to the other end of the work zone are obstructed.
requirement That the “stop-slow” sign you will use is in good repair (e.g., undamaged, clean).
requirement That measures are in place and at appropriate distances to give motorists enough warning to slow down.
administrative How to report incidents.
requirement That a traffic control person should never leave their position unattended (e.g., know what the arrangements are for meals and breaks).

What should a traffic control person do when controlling traffic?

When controlling traffic, as a traffic control person, you should:

requirement Always stay alert. The situation can change very quickly.
requirement Be visible. Stand where you can see traffic, and be seen by traffic.
requirement Think ahead and plan your escape route. Know where you will move to if a motorist drives too close.
requirement Stand “alone.” Do not stand in a group of people, near a vehicle, or in other distractions. Drivers must be able to see you clearly.
requirement Stand at the correct distance from the work area. This position will vary with the visibility, speed, and volume of traffic. In general, this spot is halfway between the beginning of the taper or detour zone, and the traffic control warning sign. Do not stand too close to the taper or in the travel lane.
requirement Keep visual contact with the other traffic control person if you are not using radios.
requirement Work as a team with other traffic control persons. Always check with the other traffic control person to see if it is safe to allow traffic to move. When two or more traffic control persons are required to work as a team at the worksite, responsibility for the coordination of changes in traffic flow should be assigned to one person.
requirement Hold the stop/slow sign away from the body, and in the driver’s line of sight.
requirement Raise your free hand with the palm facing the driver to stop traffic.
requirement Allow time for the vehicle to stop safely by turning the sign when the vehicle is at an appropriate distance away for the speed it is travelling.
requirement Move to a safe position after stopping the first vehicle, where the next incoming vehicle can see you.
requirement Be aware of everything going on around you, behind you, in the lane beside you, etc.
requirement When you are ready to release traffic, return to your position outside the travel lane, confirm with the other traffic control person that it is safe to let traffic move, turn the sign to “slow,” and with your free arm, signal to drivers to proceed.
requirement To slow traffic, extend the slow sign away from your body (but do not wave it), and use your free hand to indicate slow down by moving your hand and forearm in an up and down motion with your palm down.
requirement Be alert for emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance). These vehicles have priority through the traffic control zone.
requirement Guide cyclists and pedestrians safely through the zone.
requirement Cover or remove traffic control warning signs when there are no traffic control persons present.
requirement Important reminders:
requirement Do not assume a vehicle will stop until it has actually come to a full and complete stop.
requirement Do not look away from oncoming traffic.
requirement Do not do any other activity other than control traffic.
requirement Do not use other devices (other than your communication radio) which may distract you or impair your sight, hearing or take attention from the job. These devices include personal music players, cell phones, etc. Only use a cell phone for on-site emergency communication, if permitted.
administrative Do not participate in arguments with motorists. Be polite, do not retaliate, stay back, and stay safe. If necessary, record the incident and report it to your supervisor.
ppe Do not try to enforce situations that appear to be breaking highway traffic acts (e.g., speeding, dangerous driving, driving while impaired, etc.). Make a note of the licence plate on the vehicle, and discuss the situation with your supervisor. Call the police or emergency services for assistance.
requirement Do not use radio communication when blasting activities are occurring.

What personal protective equipment should be used?

Wear personal protective equipment that is CSA-approved, including: Be sure that clothing, or eye and hearing protection, do not interfere with your ability to see and hear while working. You must wear all personal protective equipment required by your employer. If you have concerns about the safety of the equipment, speak to your supervisor and explain your concerns. Other tips include:

context A vest or other clothing that is the appropriate class of high visibility material
context A hard hat
context Safety footwear
context Eye protection
context Hearing protection
context Use a sign that is designed specifically to direct traffic (stop/slow). Be sure the sign is in good repair and meets the height and size requirements for your jurisdiction.
context Carry spare batteries for the communication radio.
context For poor light or night conditions, use a flashlight fitted with a red signalling wand, and carry spare batteries for the flashlight. Reflective material on your hard hat and clothing will also help you be more visible.
context For poor light or night conditions, where possible, stand under a street light, or install overhead lighting that will allow motorists to see the traffic control person more easily.
context Dress according to the weather, and be prepared for when the weather changes. Depending on the environmental conditions, clothing may include sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, high visibility rain gear, and warm layered clothing (including gloves, winter boots, and hard hat liners).
context Where appropriate, carry protection from wildlife, including bear bangers or bear mace.
context Use a portable horn or whistle to alert other workers when necessary.
context Carry a book for note-taking.
context Fact sheet first published: 2017-09-14
context Fact sheet confirmed current: 2025-09-09