Across the city, Hydro Ottawa crews work in all kinds of weather and at all hours of the day or night. Sometimes our crews are easy to spot along roadways and in neighbourhoods, while other times they are atop a hydro pole, concealed by trees and branches, or working underground to maintain our city’s electrical infrastructure.
Whether performing routine maintenance or high-voltage repairs during an emergency, you'll inevitably encounter our crews working to improve your community, and there are a number of ways you can help us keep them safe. We recognize that these necessary efforts may occasionally disrupt your routine, whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking. Please know that any detours or closures are implemented with your safety and the safety of our crews as the top priority, and only when absolutely essential for the work to proceed. We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance our shared spaces.
Perhaps most importantly, never break our work site perimeter to ask our crew members a question. They could be performing electrical work that requires their full attention. A minor distraction could have major consequences, including an unintended injury, or worse.
Our crews take safety seriously. They undergo regular training to identify, manage and avoid hazards. They also learn how to maintain your safety and wellbeing. That said, they need your cooperation. If you’re strolling, cycling or driving by a job site, keep safety in mind and consider the following:
Strolling
Summer’s here, and you’re probably spending a lot more time outside. Our crews are also taking advantage of the weather to complete some of our major projects. Keep the following in mind if you encounter a work zone during your walk or run:
- Do not enter the work zone to ask our crew members a question or to offer your help. A distraction could cause delays, outages or injuries.
- If a work zone obstructs a sidewalk or path, look for signage that directs you to an alternate route. Sidewalk closures occur when absolutely necessary for everyone’s safety.
- Do not lean or climb on equipment or safety barriers.
- Be aware of your surroundings while walking past a work zone. Put your phone down, and remove your headphones.
Cycling
Consider the following while cycling near our crews:
- Slow down when you approach a work zone.
- Follow any temporary safety and detour signage.
- Respect cones and barriers. Whenever possible, we avoid encroaching on bicycle lanes. If we put up a barrier, it’s to keep you safe.
Driving
To avoid an accident, keep the following in mind as you drive near our crews:
- Slow down when you approach and drive past a work zone.
- Keep your eyes on the road. Colliding with electrical equipment could cause injuries.
- Share the road. Whenever possible, provide space for crews working on the side of the road.
- Respect cones and barriers. We’ve set them down to keep you safe.
Everyone
Read and respect all safety signage, even if our crews are not on-site.
- Keep children close, and talk to them about hazards. Author’s note: Take our Smart as a Fox Whiz Quiz (designed for kids within our service territory in Kindergarten through Grade 8) to power-up their electrical safety knowledge. The quiz covers key takeaways such as never tampering with electrical equipment, maintaining a safe distance from power lines and avoiding contact with downed wires - plus they will be entered to win an iPad.
- See something that may pose a risk to our crews? Please report it at (613) 738-6400.
The city is full of distractions. We have to work together to stay safe. Slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, and respect all safety warnings and signage. Let’s work together to keep Ottawa safe, so we can all go home at the end of the day.
