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 October 2023:
While on a 6 foot ladder, the worker misstepped and fell. In accordance with 13.18 of the Manitoba Regulations, a worker must maintain three points of contact on the ladder at all times. For more information, check out the CSAM Virtual toolbox talk on safe ladder usage.
A steel crew was working on the 3rd floor of a building hot riveting when a tarp on the first floor caught on fire and shortly self-extinguished. In accordance with Part 19.9(1) of the Manitoba Regulation, all hot work must be done in accordance with the Manitoba Fire Code. You can use the CSAM toolbox talk on Fire Safety and Extinguishers for more information.
Worker injured their hand on a pipe-threader. In accordance with Part 6.14(1) of the Manitoba Regulation, hand protection appropriate to the risk of the task must be provided and worn. CSAM has a toolbox developed on Hand Protection that you can reference for more information.
A worker was changing out a switch, using a knife to mark a drill point on the pole and made contact with the live switch. In accordance with Part 38.7 of the Manitoba Regulation, an employer must ensure that work is done in a manner that prevents a worker from contacting electrical equipment. You can reference the CSAM toolbox talk on Lockout for further information.
A worker was using a circular saw when it kicked back into the worker’s leg. Workers should use the tools in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines for safety. CSAM has developed a toolbox talk on Electric Tools – Circular Saws, that you can reference for more information.
Workers were removing a window and trim when vermiculite was released. In accordance with Part 6.13(1) of the Manitoba Regulation, eye and face protectors should be worn when there is a risk of a worker being exposed to a dangerous substance. As well, a proper hazard assessment should be completed to identify the potential risk of the substance. Check out the CSAM toolbox talks on Respirators and Eye Protection for more information.
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Respirators - Types
CSAM Toolbox Talk - Eye Protection
A worker was conducting an inspection on a crane and had the block apart. The worker and helper were closing the block back up and the shim slipped and fell hitting the worker's finger. In accordance with Part 6.14(1) of the Manitoba Regulation, hand protection appropriate to the risk of the task must be provided and worn. CSAM has a toolbox developed on Hand Protection that you can reference for more information.
A worker was drilling for a fiber optic install when they hit a gas line. There were no locates identified. In accordance with Part 26.6 of the Manitoba Regulation, before any excavation or drilling work is done, all utilities must be located in the area where the work is being done. These locations must also be readily available on site. Check out the SAFE Work Manitoba Tip Card on excavation work.
A worker lost their footing while working on a live 600 volt electrical panel. The worker fell into the panel making contact with their hand. In accordance with Part 38.7 of the Manitoba Regulation, an employer must ensure that work is done in a manner that prevents a worker from contacting electrical equipment. You can reference the CSAM toolbox talk on Lockout for further information.
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.
