Moncton snowplow operators deal with fatigue after many snow storms

MONCTON – Plow drivers around Greater Moncton are dealing with the effects of long hours on the job.

Josh Cormier is a private contractor and is responsible for 13 commercial properties around Greater Moncton. He says the snow clean-up following the recent storms have kept him on the move.

“We’re lucky to get two to three hours of sleep per night in probably the last eight days,” he said.

Cormier says he has some ways to fight the fatigue.

“I have some energy drinks and some vitamins and try to eat a little healthier instead of take-out three times per day,” he said.

Private contractors are among many plow drivers dealing with long work days. Foreman Jeff Scott says Moncton’s work crews are also working extra time to clear the snow.

“We’re trying to make the maximum use of our staff,” he said. “They can work at most 16 hours within a 24 hour period then they have to go off for a mandatory rest period and then we can get them back again.”

Scott says it’s not only the long hours that are hard to manage.

“Fatigue of the operators is a serious thing and one of the things that’s really difficult is not just working the 16 hours at a time,” he said. “But it’s the irregular patterns because we have to be ready to respond to any type of snow activity and get clearing the streets again right after that.”