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 SIX incidents occurred on Manitoba construction projects in July 2023:
A worker was using a chainsaw to clear underbrush for draining when they struck their leg with the chainsaw. In accordance with 6.14(1) of the regulations, the employer is responsible for providing leg protection to the worker when there is a risk of injury created by the task that is being performed. For more information see SAFE Work Manitoba Shop Talk Personal Protective Equipment.
SAFE Work Manitoba Shop Talk - Personal Protective Equipment
Workers were performing a demolition at a site when there was the release of potential asbestos. Workers were exposed to approximately 10 square meters of drywall compound. The HVAC system was turned off and the building was locked down. An employer and owner must ensure there is an asbestos inventory created for the building and this inventory must be made readily available for workers in the workplace. For more information see the CSAM toolbox talk Asbestos.
A worker was removing straps from a large load of timbers when one came loose, fell and struck the worker. The employer has a duty to ensure that all workers are trained so far as reasonably practicable to ensure the safety of the workers while performing tasks while working for the employer. All workers must be trained to complete the tasks they perform in the safest way possible. This should be in accordance with the safe job procedures created by the employer. See the CSAM toolbox talk Roles & Responsibilities for more information.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Roles & Responsibilities
Worker injured while installing piping. All workers must be trained to complete the tasks they perform in the safest way possible. This should be in accordance with the safe job procedures created by the employer. See the CSAM toolbox talk Roles & Responsibilities for more information.
A worker was using a material hoist when the metal cable became entangled. The worker went to untangle the line and injured their finger. Employers must ensure that all workers are trained in the safe use of all equipment on-site and in the event of equipment failure are components to address the issue in the safest way. See the SAFE Work Manitoba safety topic Hoists for more information.
A worker was using a weed trimmer when debris went into the worker's eye. The Workers must ensure they wear eye protection when the work they are performing creates a hazard to their face or eyes. See the CSAM toolbox talk Eye Protection for more information.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Eye Protection
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.
