By law, an employer is required to notify the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Branch of a serious incident by the fastest means of communication available. Serious Incident Alerts include descriptions of the actual serious incidents reported to WSH Branch and are provided to raise awareness and initiate preventative actions as appropriate.
The following four incidents occurred on Manitoba construction projects in February 2023:
- One of the main lines for an exterior glycol heater split, causing an uncontrolled release of propylene glycol. Appropriate parties were notified of release. Safety data sheets must be readily available for all controlled products to ensure products are dealt with correctly in the event of an incident. Find details in our toolbox talk.
- A worker was tied off with fall protection on a three storey house, when they slipped and fell off the roof. When working at a height of three metres or more, ensure workers use fall protection to meet WSH Regulation Part 14. Watch our toolbox talk to help you select the right equipment.
- Two workers were chipping out a piece of drywall to repair a pipe when they came across potential asbestos in the wall. All work activity stopped and material was tested, which confirmed presence of asbestos. WSH Regulation Part 37 outlines requirements for working with asbestos. Our online course, Asbestos Awareness can help you understand risks.
- A worker was cutting shims on a powered table saw when there was kick back causing the workers hand to make contact with the saw blade. Always use and inspect machines/tools in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification. Check out our toolbox talk, Any Equipment Can Be Hazardous.
To view previous serious incident reports, click here.
If you have concerns about the potential for a similar incident occurring on YOUR jobsite, speak to a CSAM safety advisor. Call 204-775-3171 in Winnipeg or 204-728-3456 in Brandon.
