A report provided by the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba on behalf of the SAFE Roads Committee shows that there were 40 transportation-related claims in 2024 in the construction industry alone.

"Even one incident is too many," said Chris Lorenc, President and CEO of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and Chair of the SAFE Roads committee. "Every worker should trust they'll return home safely at the end of the day."

Construction workers are not the only ones affected by transportation injuries. First responders, utility workers, enforcement officers, tow truck drivers, and others in the manufacturing and transportation industries face the same dangers. When taking other industries into account, the number of transportation-related claims in 2024 jumps to 201—meaning hundreds of Manitoba families are impacted by work-related injuries, near-misses, and fatalities each year.

The 2025 SAFE Roads campaign that launched this week reminds motorists across the province to reduce their speed and drive with extra caution as spring brings more workers to Manitoba roadways. The campaign emphasizes that They're Not In Your Way, They're At Work.

As a founding partner of the SAFE Roads Committee, the MGEU continues to share the campaign’s message of protecting workers by reminding drivers to stay vigilant and slow down.

"Thousands of MGEU members spend much of their workday on or near a roadway,” said MGEU President, Kyle Ross. “That’s why it’s important we continue reminding drivers to be safe and take extra precaution when driving near workers.”

About SAFE Roads

Established in 2004, the SAFE Roads vision is to educate motorists and the general public to practice respectful and safe driving practices to protect the safety of construction, utility, emergency services personnel, equipment operators and all those who work in or adjacent to our province's roadways.

SAFE Roads Committee:

Manitoba Heavy Construction Association & WORKSAFELY™ Program
Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU)
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba
Manitoba Infrastructure
Manitoba Public Insurance
City of Winnipeg
City of Brandon
Manitoba Hydro
Heavy Equipment & Aggregate Truckers (HEAT)
Manitoba Trucking Association
Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs
Construction Safety Association of Manitoba
Construction Association of Rural Manitoba
The Show and Tell Agency