
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 NINE incidents occurred on Manitoba construction projects in June 2023:

While working alone on a site, a worker struck a stone chimney while using a circular saw causing the blade to bounce back and make contact with the worker's finger. Employers must ensure that workers are trained on the use of all tools and equipment. This includes the manufacturer's specifications for safe use. See our toolbox talks Electrical Tools – Circular Saws for more information.

Sub-contractors were doing separate work activities with a potential for asbestos exposure. Employers and owners must ensure an asbestos inventory is created and kept for all buildings where asbestos is present. Whenever construction takes place this inventory must be available. Check out our toolbox talk Asbestos for more information.

Workers were removing a 10-foot section of a 40-foot communication tower using a ratchet strap from a telehandler. The ratchet strap broke causing the 10-foot section to fall 30 feet to the ground. All equipment used for rigging should be inspected prior to use, to ensure it does not fail. See our toolbox talk Rigging for Hoisting & Craning for more information.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Rigging for Hoisting & Craning

A worker was inside of a scissor lift being raised and the worker's finger was pinched between the guardrail and the security bar. All workers who operate a mobile elevated work platform must be deemed competent by the employer and trained on the specific model they are instructed to operate. See our toolbox talks for more information.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Scissor Lifts
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Elevated Work Platforms

A worker was in a shed putting away tools when they tripped and the broken overhead door came down pinching the worker's fingers. The employer has a duty to ensure that areas used by workers are kept free of slipping and tripping hazards. Check out SafeWork Manitoba’s Shop Talk: Housekeeping for more information.

While workers were directional drilling, a natural gas line was struck. The service provider attended on-site and repaired the damaged line. The employer must ensure that any underground facilities are conspicuously marked by the owner of the facilities to ensure the safety of their workers while digging underground.
Visit http://clickbeforeyoudigmb.com for more information.

Power was shut down at the disconnect junction box of a rooftop compressor unit. The line was tested and work began. When the worker returned to the worksite, the line was not tested and the worker experienced an electrical shock. The employer must ensure that any electrical equipment being worked on is de-energized and no stored power is present.
SafeWork Manitoba’s Hazard Alert: Preventing Electrical Injuries

A worker was climbing on top of a walk-in freezer using an extension ladder. The ladder slid and the worker fell approximately 6.5 feet. When a ladder is used for access, it must be ensured that the ladder is secured to prevent movement, is set up with a 1:4 ratio, and is extended at least one meter above the surface being accessed. For more information check out the CSAM toolbox talk Extension Ladders for more information.

A worker was using a portable band saw to cut material. The worker's finger made contact with the moving blade. The employer had a duty to ensure that all workers are trained and used all tools in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Have a look at the following...
CSAM Toolbox Talk: Electric Tools – Basic Safety
CSAM Toolbox Talk: Electric Tools – Circular Saws
CSAM Toolbox Talk: Electric Tools – Sabre Saws

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.