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 Ten incidents occurred on Manitoba construction projects in March 2023:
A worker was removing a panel from the brick wall when 3 to 4 gallons of vermiculite were released from inside the wall. Companies must ensure serious incidents such as an uncontrolled spill of a hazardous substance are reported to workplace health and safety as per Part 2.7(1) of the workplace safety & health regulation.
See Safe Work Manitoba’s bulletin for Reporting Serious Incidents for more information.
Reporting Serious Incidents
A spill of approximately 100 litres of propylene glycol.
All workers should be trained in the safe use of hazardous products they use in the workplace. Safety data sheets must be made readily available to all workers in accordance with Part 35.3(1) of the workplace safety & health Regulation. See the CSAM WHMIS 2015 & GHS toolbox talk for more information.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - WHMIS 2015 & GHS
A worker was helping on another site when a high wall collapsed and knocked the worker off a ladder. A worker fell approximately 4 feet. Hazard assessments and inspections must be done at all job sites to determine the hazards before the worker begins work.
CSAM Hazard Assessment Virtual Toolbox
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Workplace Inspections
A worker was operating an unguarded table saw and their hand made contact with the blade. All workers must ensure that all safeguards are in place. SAFE Work Manitoba has more information about safeguarding machinery.
Safeguarding Machinery
A worker was conducting drywall work from the top of a baker scaffold. When reaching up, the walk board dislodged from the frame and the worker fell approximately 6 feet, through the scaffolding. Workers using scaffolding must be trained in the use of that scaffold and must be familiar with the manufacturer’s requirements for use.
CSAM Toolbox - Scaffold Basics
An abatement company was on site to perform the removal of asbestos as it was identified in an area of the ceiling. Workers were hammer drilling in the same area when additional asbestos began to fall. The area was secured. It is the duty of the prime contractor to communicate all information to the workers that creates a risk to their health and safety.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Roles and Responsibilities
While moving guardrails over the side of the mezzanine floor from the outside platform, the worker caught a piece of the rail and went over the edge of the building, falling approximately 25 ft. Workers working at a height of 3m with the risk of falling must ensure proper fall protection is used.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Fall Protection Approvals
A worker was climbing down a 7 ft. ladder when they slipped and fell. Workers should all ensure they maintain 3-point contact when working on or using a ladder and follow all manufacturer's specifications.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Step Ladders
While digging a ramp, an excavator hit the gas line. Locates were on-site and the service provider was called. All locates must be completed prior to the start of an excavating project and must clearly marked for all involved.
Safe Work Manitoba’s Guide for Excavation
CSAM’s Virtual Toolbox Talk - Residential Excavation
A worker was working on a ladder and fell. Workers should all ensure they maintain 3-point contact when working on or using a ladder and follow all manufacturer's specifications.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Step Ladders
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.
