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 May 2023:
A worker was cutting a unistrut with a portable band saw. The worker was holding the material instead of using a stand. The workers' finger went past the guard on the equipment causing injury. It is the employer's duty to train all their workers for the tasks they perform. This includes safe job procedures to ensure all machines are used safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. For more information see the CSAM toolbox talks Roles & Responsibilities.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Roles & Responsibilities
A worker had just finished inspecting an area and was coming down a 12-foot ladder when they slipped and fell approximately 4 feet to the ground. 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 near the top of a ladder when it began to tip. The worker jumped off and hit the railing and the sidewalk. The worker fell approximately 5 feet. When in use at a workplace, an employer must ensure that a portable ladder is secured against movement at all times during use and is placed on a stable, level base.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Ladders
A worker transporting material in an excavation channel knocked into another worker carrying a pail of heated rubberized asphalt. The asphalt splashed up from the pail coating the workers' arm. 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
A contractor entering a crawl space through an electrical room made contact with energized material, falling off a ladder. Always be aware of surroundings — including electrical equipment and where it is connected.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Job Hazard Analysis
A worker was removing a hot water tank when the tank began to roll away. Workers' finger was pinched between the tank and the dolly. It is the duty of the employer to provide training to all their workers for the tasks they perform.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Roles and Responsibilities
While walking on a scaffold a worker tripped on some extension cords and fell, hitting a scaffold pin with their arm. Work areas should be kept clear and free from tools and materials that could cause a worker to trip.
Review Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls
A worker was on an extension ladder on an access/egress ramp. The ramp gave way and the worker fell approximately 8 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 assisting with a window install when the worker's foot slipped on an extension ladder rung. The worker fell approximately 12 feet. An employer must ensure that a worker using a stepladder or other commercially manufactured portable ladder does so in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and safe operating instructions.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Extension Ladders
A worker was operating a one-handed chainsaw when the tree limb fell, hitting the chainsaw and the worker's thumb. It is the duty of the employer to provide training to all their workers for the tasks they perform. This includes safe job procedures to ensure all machines are used safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. For more information see the CSAM toolbox talks Roles & Responsibilities.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Roles & Responsibilities
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.
