Guardian Angels watching over workers on Sask. highways

Saskatchewan has rolled out a new device to protect workers on the province’s highways.

Three remote-controlled “Guardian Angel” automatic flagging assistance devices (AFAD) are being used in highway construction sites this year. The truck-mounted devices let the flag person be off the road while they’re controlling traffic.

“Flag persons often have close calls with motorists who do not slow down or pay adequate attention while travelling through work zones,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said in a media release. “Being able to take workers off the road and away from traffic helps negate the very real danger that is present every minute of each shift.”

The province also has trailer-mounted or standalone AFADs that it uses in larger construction sites, but the truck-mounted device can be used on smaller projects where workers are moving frequently. The truck can simply be driven ahead as needed.

The Guardian Angel is manufactured in Watrous by Guardian Angel Auto Flagger Manufacturing.

“We were determined to create a high-quality, easy-to-use device that would eliminate the danger of collision with roadside flaggers and emergency crews,” Edward Anderson, the marketing manager for Guardian Angel, said in the release. “Our goal is that all flaggers and emergency crews make it home to their families each night.”

The devices currently are being used in the Moose Jaw, Outlook and Prince Albert areas. The pilot program will look at the number of near misses and miscommunications and will rely on feedback from flag persons in these work zones.