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 December 2023:
A 22-ton crane slid backwards with the boom hitting the building behind it. As outlined in Part 23.15 of the Manitoba Regulation, all cranes equipped with outriggers or stabilizers must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. CSAM has developed a toolbox talk on Job Hazard Analysis that will assist in properly identifying the hazards of worker tasks.
While lowering the basket of an articulating man-lift, the operator struck a co-worker beneath the unit. The Manitoba Regulation Part 28.31 advises that an area below any elevated work platform must be barricaded with warning signs of overhead work. CSAM has developed a virtual toolbox on elevated work platforms that can be found here.
While climbing up a ladder, the worker slipped on the icy footings and fell approximately 7 feet. Part 13.8 of the Manitoba Regulation requires that all workers must inspect their ladders before each use. CSAM has developed a virtual toolbox talk on ladder usage.
A crane remote tucked into the rafters of the roof came free when a second crane began operating. The remote tether then hit the worker in the head. Hard hat protection must be worn on all construction projects in Manitoba as per the Regulation Part 6.11. CSAM has a toolbox talk on head protection that can be found here.
A worker was climbing on the trusses of a house. They went to hook up to an anchor when they slipped and fell approximately 11 feet. Fall arrest equipment such as self-retracting lifelines or synthetic ropes, should be available at the access point where workers will be starting their ascent to height. Part 14.13 of the Manitoba Regulation outlines the requirement for fall arrest equipment. CSAM has a virtual toolbox talk on working at heights 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.
