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 FIVE incidents occurred on Manitoba construction projects in February 2024:
While on a ladder approximately 10 feet high, a worker reached for materials on the side of a roof and fell. Falls from ladders can be dangerous. The Manitoba Regulation Part 13.18(b) states that workers using portable ladders must not extend any part of their body past the side rails of the ladder, and maintain three-point contact at all times. CSAM has developed a virtual toolbox talk on safe ladder usage, which can be found here.
A worker was in a crawl space when they fell forward and their arm made contact with the HVAC unit. Crawl spaces are generally very tight. A confined space is defined as “except for the purposes of work, not primarily designed for human occupancy, and has restricted means of access or egress”. CSAM has a toolbox talk on Confined Spaces – Physical Hazards which can be found here.
A worker fell from a 6 foot step ladder. Stepladders are common use in construction and proper usage of them is essential for worker safety. Part 13.17-13.19 of the Manitoba Regulations state the safety elements of safe use. CSAM has developed a toolbox talk on Stepladders which can be found here.
A worker was installing sheathing on a 2 1/2 storey roof not anchored. The worker slipped and fell to the ground. Working at height can be dangerous. Proper training to the Manitoba Training Standard for Working at Height is essential for worker safety. In accordance with the Manitoba Regulation Part 14.13, a fall arrest system must consist of a full body harness with adequate attachment to an anchor point, and the lanyard is adjusted so the worker will not hit the ground if a fall occurs. CSAM has developed a virtual toolbox talk on fall protection which can be found here.
A worker was bending over to pick up a pallet when their foot stepped on uneven ground. A properly completed hazard assessment, or inspection of all work tasks and their associated risk should be completed prior to beginning work. In accordance with Part 2.4 of the Manitoba Regulation, any risk or hazard that is found, should be controlled immediately to protect worker's safety and health while doing their tasks. CSAM has developed a virtual toolbox talk on hazard assessments which can be found 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.
To view previous serious incident reports, click here.
