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 three incidents occurred on Manitoba construction projects in December 2022 and January 2023:
- Workers were moving wall panels on the third floor of a new apartment building. The flooring gave way and one worker fell to the second floor, injuring their head. All companies should ensure jobsites are inspected in accordance with Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act Section 7.4(5)(e) and WSH Regulation Part 2.4. Download or update the CSAM App to use our free inspection tool.
- To locate their anchor point, a worker was climbing a 10-foot ladder to get on top of a garage roof. As the worker stepped onto the roof, they slid off, falling approximately 10 feet, injuring their ankle. Extension ladders must be secured at top and bottom. Conduct pre-start inspections so workers are aware of the conditions of the work area. Review our toolbox talk on workplace inspections.
- A worker was cutting lumber with a circular saw when the blade made contact with their finger. The worker believed the guard did not come back down into the original position after the cut was made. The saw was taken out of service. Workers should ensure that all power tools are used and inspected as per the manufacturer's specifications. Find more tips in our toolbox talk Electric Tools – Circular Saws.
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.
