By law, an employer is required to notify the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Branch of a serious incident by the 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 October 2022:
- A worker was performing repairs on a conveyor belt at a workplace, when their hand and glove got caught in the conveyor belt. Before performing maintenance, always ensure machinery is locked out to prevent body parts/apparel from being caught in moving parts. Review lockout/tagout procedures.
- A worker was adding some plumbing tube to a section. They went to steady themselves and grabbed a Unistrut that was attached to a temporary heater and gave them an electrical shock. Always be aware of surroundings — including electrical equipment and where it is connected. Review best practices for electrical safety.
- A worker reached into a firewood processor to change the cutter, without realizing a piece of wood was stuck. The wood pushed the worker's hand in, resulting in injury. Employers must ensure their workers are fully trained in the safe use of all tools/equipment in the workplace. See our toolbox talk, Any Equipment Can Be Hazardous, for more information.
- A worker was replacing a motor on an HVAC unit at a workplace, but did not have the unit locked out and made contact with a live electrical line. Always follow lockout procedure before performing maintenance on equipment. Here's an example of general lockout/tagout information.
- Workers were doing a lift of sheeting to the third floor when part of the stringers collapsed, sending the entire lift three stories to the ground. Review our Rigging for Hoisting and Craning toolbox talk for best practices and information on rigging and capacity.
To view previous serious incident reports, click 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.