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 April 2023:
A worker was completing interior work on a pole shed installing a metal ceiling when the scaffold moved causing the worker to lose balance and fall approx 10-12 feet. Scaffolds must have guardrails installed when work platforms are 3 meters (10 feet) or higher. For more information see the CSAM toolbox talk Scaffold Basics.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Scaffold Basics
While using a hydraulic pipe groover with leather gloves on, the worker looked away to speak to a co-worker when the machine caught the gloved hand.
It is the duty of the employer to provide training to all their workers for the tasks they perform. This includes safe job procedures to ensure all machines are used safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. For more information see the CSAM toolbox talks Roles & Responsibilities.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Roles & Responsibilities
A worker was on a rolling scaffold when they fell approximately 14 feet. Scaffolds must have guardrails installed when work platforms are 3 meters (10 feet) or higher. For more information see the CSAM toolbox talk Scaffold Basics.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Scaffold Basics
A worker hooked up their rope on a two-storey roof without adjusting it and slipped on a patch of ice, falling off the roof. All workers must ensure their fall protection system is inspected and used as per the company procedure and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. See the CSAM virtual toolbox talk Fall Protection for more information. SAFE Work Manitoba has more information about safeguarding machinery.
CSAM Virtual Toolbox Talk - Fall Protection
A release of asbestos-containing material occurred when tiles were removed with no control measures in place. In the event of an uncontrolled escape of hazardous substances, a company must complete a serious incident investigation. This includes freezing the scene, removing workers, and reporting the incident to workplace safety and health. For more information on performing workplace investigations check out the SAFE Work Manitoba Safety Swap: Incident Investigations.
SAFE Work Manitoba Safety Swap - Incident investigations
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.
