Table of contents

Overview

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues notices after a fatality, to help industry prevent similar incidents. Industry notices are an educational resource. They don’t identify violations of OHS legislation or lay blame on work site parties.

  • Agriculture and forestry

    Incident Notice: 2023-06

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

    A worker was dumping gravel on an approach to a field when their vehicle contacted a 25,000-volt overhead power line. The worker, who was standing outside the vehicle to operate the controls, was fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • Before work is done or equipment is operated within 7 metres of an overhead power line, an employer must determine the voltage of the power line and establish the appropriate safe limit of approach distance.
    • An employer must ensure that the safe limit of approach distance is maintained and that no work is done and no equipment is operated at a distance less than the established safe limit of approach distance.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-22

    Type: Motor Vehicle Collision

    Incident Summary

    Two workers in pickup trucks were driving toward each other on a radio-controlled logging road, calling out kilometre markings on the same radio channel. Both vehicles crested a blind hill at the same time and collided head-on. One of the workers sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot, in vehicles or on equipment, an employer must ensure that the traffic is controlled to protect the workers.

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-01

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    A farm worker went to a store to purchase parts. After making a purchase, the worker went to their pickup truck in the store’s parking lot. The worker went underneath the pickup truck to perform work on it when the drivetrain engaged and the truck rolled over the worker, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • A person must not leave the controls of powered mobile equipment unattended unless the equipment is secured against unintentional movement.
    • If powered mobile equipment is to be serviced or repaired, an employer must ensure that no worker performs such work until the powered mobile equipment is rendered inoperative in a manner that prevents accidental activation.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-27

    Type: Caught in

    Incident summary

    A waged farm hand returned to the farm to wrap up a 250-foot grain bag, in order to prevent it from blowing away overnight. The worker was using roller equipment to carry out this task. While attaching the grain bag to the running roller spindle, the worker became entangled and caught in the roller with the grain bag. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • The employer must ensure workers are trained in all matters necessary to perform their work in a healthy and safe manner.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-18

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    Workers were about to transfer grain from a silage hopper into a grain truck. The truck was backing into place when it struck a worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Workers must be alerted to any proposed movement of powered mobile equipment to ensure that they are out of danger areas posed by the equipment.
    • An employer must ensure workers on foot and exposed to the hazards of moving vehicles wear highly visible apparel that is clearly distinguishable.
    • An employer must ensure that, if a powered mobile equipment operator’s view of travel is obstructed, the powered mobile equipment has an automatic audible warning device, a warning device or method appropriate to the hazards of the work site or an automatic system that stops the equipment if a worker is in its path.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-12

    Type: Struck by equipment

    Incident summary

    A worker was pulling a trailer down a steep driveway with a farm tractor when they lost control of the tractor. The tractor rolled. The worker was found deceased on the road beside the damaged tractor.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Employers must ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
    • Employers must ensure that operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate the equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-19

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    A worker stepped out of a truck to open a gate into a work site when the vehicle rolled, pinning the worker under the vehicle. A passing motorist found the worker pinned beneath the vehicle and assisted to free the worker. The worker succumbed to their injuries in the ambulance on route to the hospital.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • The employer must ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-05

    Type: Struck by

    Incident Summary

    A worker was planting seedlings when a gust of wind blew down several standing trees. One of the trees struck the worker from behind, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • The employer must ensure workers are trained in and familiar with relevant safe work procedures.

    Safety Resources

  • Business and professional services

    Incident Notice: 2022-14

    Type: Struck by

    Incident Summary

    Two workers were working the night shift at a fast food restaurant. One worker called 911 and reported a murder. When police arrived at the work site, it appeared that the deceased worker had been fatally injured by the other worker.

    Safety Reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • The OHS Code states that violence is considered a hazard for the purposes of hazard assessment, elimination and control.
    • An employer must develop policies and procedures to minimize or eliminate workplace violence and potential danger to workers.

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-13

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    While transferring wild horses from their holding pens, a worker fell off their own horse and was trampled, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • Every employer shall ensure that workers engaged in the work of that employer are adequately trained in all matters necessary to perform their work in a healthy and safe manner.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-02

    Type: Drowning

    Incident summary

    A dog walker was walking two dogs when it appeared that one dog got off leash and entered the river. It appeared that the worker went in after the dog. The dog walker was found downstream, deceased.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that a worker that could be exposed to the hazard of drowning wears a life jacket.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-17

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was cleaning windows when they fell from the second storey of a residential structure, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure workers working above a vertical distance of 3 metres are protected from falling.
    • An employer must develop a fall protection plan when a worker may fall 3 metres or more, if not protected by guardrails.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-08

    Type: Assault

    Incident Summary

    A physician was attacked by a patient in the treatment room of a medical clinic, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Assess workplace violence hazards.
    • Develop policies and procedures to minimize or eliminate workplace violence and potential danger to workers.

    Safety Resources

  • Construction and construction trades

    Industry Notice: 2023-11

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker who was on a ladder removing clips from roofing fell to the concrete floor below, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that a worker working from a portable ladder from which the worker may fall three metres or more uses a personal fall arrest system.
    • If it is not reasonably practical to use a personal fall arrest system, a worker may work from a portable ladder without fall protection if:
      1. the work is a light-duty task of short duration at each location,
      2. the worker’s centre of balance is at the centre of the ladder at all times with an arm extended beyond the side rails of the ladder, and
      3. the worker maintains three-point contact whenever the worker extends an arm beyond a side rail.

    Safety resources

    Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
    Fall protection plan
    Fall protection plan: information sheet for residential roofing
    Common fall hazards

    Industry Notice: 2023-09

    Type: Crush/Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

    A worker was working on a sewer line in an excavation that was more than four metres deep. The walls of the excavation caved in on the worker, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • Before a worker begins working in an excavation that is more than 1.5 metres deep and closer to the wall or bank than the depth of the excavation, an employer must ensure that the worker is protected from cave-ins or sliding rolling materials by:
      1. cutting back the walls or the excavation to reduce the height of the remaining vertical walls, if any, to no more than 1.5 metres for “hard and compact soil” and “likely to crack or crumble soil”,
      2. installing temporary protective structures, or
      3. using a combination of the methods in clauses (a) and (b).

    Safety resources

    Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
    Excavation bulletins

    Industry Notice: 2023-08

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was removing screws from metal roofing sheets when one of the sheets came loose. The worker fell two storeys through the roof to the ground, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer and a supervisor must ensure that a worker is protected from falling if a worker may fall, at a temporary or permanent work area, a vertical distance of less than three meters if there is an unusual possibility of injury.
    • An employer must ensure that a worker is trained in the safe use of the fall protection system before allowing the worker to work in an area where a fall protection system must be used.

    Safety resources

    Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
    Fall protection plan
    Fall protection plan: information sheet for residential roofing

    Incident Notice: 2023-07

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    Workers were repairing a leak on a crane and had the arm partially extended to allow for detection of the leak. A worker who had been walking on the crane trailer fell off. The worker was taken to hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries several days later.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If a hazard cannot be eliminated or controlled, the employer should use engineering  controls that control the hazard as reasonably as achievable.
    • An employer and a supervisor must ensure that a worker is protected from falling if a worker may fall, at a temporary or permanent work area, a vertical distance of less than 3 metres if there is an unusual possibility of injury.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-27

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    A worker installing equipment on the boom of a truck inadvertently contacted the controls, causing the boom to drop down and crush the worker. The worker was fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that if elevated parts of powered mobile equipment are being maintained or repaired by workers, the parts and the powered mobile equipment are securely blocked in place and cannot move accidentally.
    • An employer must ensure equipment is serviced, maintained and repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or the specifications certified by a professional engineer.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-25

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    A mechanic was performing maintenance on an excavator when the bucket arm suddenly moved, pinning the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that if elevated parts of powered mobile equipment are being maintained or repaired by workers, the parts and the powered mobile equipment are securely blocked in place and cannot move accidentally.
    • An employer must ensure equipment is serviced, maintained and repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or the specifications certified by a professional engineer.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-21

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    A worker operating a road paving unit was struck by a gravel truck that was being positioned to reload the road paver. The worker was knocked off the paver and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot, in vehicles or on equipment, an employer must ensure that the traffic is controlled to protect the workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-20

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

    A worker was completing field testing of high-voltage equipment when they made contact with a live section of the equipment. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must develop and implement procedures and controls that ensure machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment is serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted or inspected safely if:
    1. there are no manufacturer’s specifications and it is not reasonably practicable to stop or render the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment inoperative.
    2. the manufacturer’s specifications require the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment to remain operative while it is being serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted or inspected; or,

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-19

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    A worker working in a ceiling space had removed their hard hat to fit into the space. The worker struck their head on a protruding metal framing stud. The next day, the worker returned to the site to continue working, but was found later that morning lying on the ground inside the building. The worker was transported to hospital, where they passed away several days later.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If there is a foreseeable danger of injury to a worker’s head at a work site and there is a significant possibility of lateral impact to the head, an employer must ensure that the worker wears protective headwear that is appropriate to the hazards.
    • A worker must use and wear properly appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with the training and instruction received.

    Safety resources                          

    Incident Notice: 2022-18

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    A worker was working under a boom that was resting on non-certified pipe stands when one of the pipe stands collapsed, causing the boom to strike the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that equipment is of sufficient size, strength and design and made of suitable materials to withstand the stresses imposed on it during its operation and to perform the function for which it was intended or was designed.
    • An employer must ensure equipment used at a work site:
      • is maintained in a condition that will not compromise the health and safety of workers using it;
      • will safely perform the function for which it is intended or was designed; and,
      • is free from obvious defects.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-15

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    A worker was conducting scheduled maintenance duties directly underneath a load that was suspended by a mobile crane. The load unexpectedly released, and the worker was struck by a falling piece of equipment from the crane. The worker was fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that work is arranged, if reasonably practicable, so that a load does not pass over workers.
    • A worker must not stand or pass under a suspended load unless the worker has been effectively warned of the danger and the operator of the lifting device knows the worker is under the suspended load.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-12

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    Workers were dismantling a 9-story scaffold at the work site when a worker on the scaffold fell 2 stories, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer and a supervisor must ensure that a worker is protected from falling whenever there is a danger that the worker could fall a vertical distance of 3 metres or more.
    • Every employer shall ensure that workers engaged in the work of that employer are adequately trained in all matters necessary to perform their work in a healthy and safe manner.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-07

    Type: Entangled

    Incident summary

    An equipment operator was preparing sideboom equipment for transport off site. While the operator was standing on top of the tracks at the entry to the cab, the sideboom drive mechanism engaged. The operator became entangled between the moving track and the sideboom lower support arm, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • A person must not leave the controls of powered mobile equipment unattended unless the equipment is secured against unintentional movement.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-28

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

    A worker was working alone installing a new billboard tarp sign using a long steel pipe. The sign was near energized overhead power lines. The worker touched one of the lines with the pipe, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If a worker is working alone, ensure there is an effective and regular communication system between the worker and the employer (or the employer’s designate).
    • An employer must contact the power line operator before work is done within seven metres of an energized overhead power line to determine the voltage and establish the appropriate safe limit approach distance.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-26

    Type: Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

    Two workers were painting in the basement of duplex under construction. When one of the workers did not check in at home, a family member called the contracting employer. The workers were found several hours later in the basement. One worker was unconscious and transported to hospital for treatment. The second worker was found deceased.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that a worker who works with or near a hazardous product is trained in the procedures to be followed if there are fugitive emissions.
    • An employer must ensure that a worker who works with or near a hazardous product is trained in the content required to be on a safety data sheet, and the purpose and significance of the information on the safety data sheet.
    • An employer must ensure that the safety data sheet is readily available at the work site to the workers exposed to a hazardous product.

    Safety resources


    Incident Notice: 2021-23

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    Three workers were on foot at a work site, assisting with moving a steel pipe from one building to another. A fourth worker was operating a wheeled loader equipped with a jib boom attachment. The steel pipe was secured to the jib boom with a single synthetic fibre sling. During the transport process, the pipe struck one of assisting workers. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers, an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part.
    • The operator must not move powered mobile equipment or a load if that movement will expose a worker to danger from either the load or a part of the equipment moving.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-20

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

    A journeyman electrician conducting routine work in an electrical room came into contact with an energized electrical component. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • The employer must provide safeguards if a worker may accidentally, or through a work process, come into contact with energized electrical cables..

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-19

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    Workers were completing framing work on a new construction. A worker was working on the outside of the structure, sheeting a wall. Another worker (operator) was operating a telehandler, moving wood stock. As the operator reversed the telehandler, it struck the worker sheeting the wall. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Workers must be alerted to any proposed movement of powered mobile equipment to ensure that they are out of danger areas posed by the equipment.
    • An employer must ensure workers on foot and exposed to the hazards of moving vehicles wear highly visible apparel that is clearly distinguishable.
    • An employer must ensure that, if a powered mobile equipment operator’s view of travel is obstructed, the powered mobile equipment has an automatic audible warning device, a warning device or method appropriate to the hazards of the work site or an automatic system that stops the equipment if a worker is in its path.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-17

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

    Two workers were working in the utility room of a private dwelling installing a floor-mounted gas-fired condensing boiler. One of the workers contacted a live electrical receptacle. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • The employer must provide safeguards if a worker may accidentally, or through a work process, come into contact with energized electrical cables.
    • If work is to be done that may endanger a worker, the employer must ensure that the work is done by a worker that is competent to do the work.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-16

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was applying stucco coating to a front porch pillar when the scaffold they were using shifted, causing the worker to fall from the scaffold a distance of two metres. The worker sustained a fatal injury.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • The employer must ensure that scaffold is set plumb on a stable surface.
    • The employer must ensure a worker is protected from falling if a worker may fall a vertical distance of less than 3 metres and if there is an unusual possibility of injury.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-13

    Type: Caught in equipment

    Incident summary

    A worker was assigned to clean out bins/hoppers by a supervisor. When the material stopped moving on the conveyor from the bin/hopper, the supervisor went to check the work area and saw the worker buried under material near the bottom of the bin/hopper. The supervisor ran back into the control room and shut the conveyor system down; however, the worker had sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • If machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment is to be serviced, an employer must ensure that no worker performs such work until it has come to a complete stop and has been rendered inoperative in a manner that prevents accidental activation.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-11

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A self-employed worker was working alone removing trees from a residential property. The worker fell and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • If working alone, ensure a working alone policy is in place and followed by workers.
    • If a worker is working alone, ensure there is an effective and regular communication system between the worker and the employer or employer’s designate.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-08

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    Workers were loading pipe onto a flatbed truck when one of the pipes that was being loaded rolled off and struck the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Employers and workers must secure loads so that they cannot shift and become a danger to workers.
    • Employers must ensure workers are familiar with safe work procedures for equipment and loading/unloading materials.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-06

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    A worker entered an excavation to remove a section of a residential home’s concrete basement wall, intended as a new entrance to the home. During the removal, the cut concrete section fell against the worker, pinning the worker against the excavation wall. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Where a worker may be injured if material is dislodged, both the employer and worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-20

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    Two workers were parked in a light truck at a designated change over area. A bulldozer reversed into the parked truck, crushing and fatally injuring both workers.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Check work areas around powered mobile equipment for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment at any time.
    • Alert workers of any proposed movement of powered mobile equipment to ensure that they are out of danger areas posed by the equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-18

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    Workers were in the process of landing a concrete forming table being moved by a crane from one floor of a building project to the next. One of the workers lost their balance and stepped back onto an unsecured piece of plywood, falling several storeys and sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure workers working above a vertical distance of 3 metres are protected from falling.
    • An employer must ensure that openings or holes that a worker can fall through are protected by a securely attached cover designed to support an anticipated load, or with guardrails and toe boards.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-16

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    Workers were dismantling a trench box using a pipe-layer side boom as a lifting device when the trench box collapsed and fell on a worker, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Ensure equipment is assembled and dismantled in accordance with the manufacturer specifications.
    • Work areas around powered mobile equipment must be checked for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment at any time.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-14

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    Workers were installing planks for a protective deck on a perimeter scaffolding system when a worker slipped and fell 10 metres, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure workers working above a vertical distance of 3 metres are protected from falling.
    • An employer must develop a fall protection plan when a worker may fall 3 metres or more and is not protected by guardrails.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-13

    Type: Asphyxiation/Crushed

    Incident summary

    Two workers entered an excavation to assemble and install a sewer tank for a septic system. One of the workers was bent over the base of the sewer tank, preparing it for the next section. A section of excavation wall caved in partially, burying the worker at the bottom of the pit. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that if workers must access an excavation the walls are secured by shoring or engineered stabilization methods, or cut back to protect the workers from soil cave-ins.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-11

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was descending a fixed roof hatch ladder when the worker fell. The worker was found standing at the base of the ladder holding on to a rung for support, complaining of back pain. The worker remained conscious and was taken to a hospital where the worker succumbed to their injuries several days later.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that workers maintain three point contact when on a ladder.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-10

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A roofing crew was removing shingles from the roof of a residential home and tossing them into a garbage bin below. A worker removed a shingle and was tossing it into the bin when they stepped off the roof and fell, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that workers working above a vertical distance of 3 metres are protected from falling.
    • An employer must develop a fall protection plan when a worker may fall 3 meters or more, if not protected by guardrails.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-04

    Type: Electrocuted

    Incident summary

    An electrician entered the electrical room at a construction site and removed the side panels on a cabinet that was energized. The electrician came in contact with an energized component within the cabinet, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Assess all hazardous energy sources before machinery or equipment is serviced or repaired.
    • If equipment is to be serviced, tested, adjusted or inspected, an employer must ensure that the equipment is rendered inoperative in a manner that prevents accidental activation.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-23

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was on a flat roof pulling a protective roofing board. The worker fell backward over the guardrail system, falling approximately 6 metres to the ground, and suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Ensure equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-20

    Type: Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

    Two workers were using a skid steer and auger to dig post holes for fencing when they struck and damaged a high pressure gas line. As one of the workers was calling emergency services the second worker attempted to stop the gas leak and went unconscious, suffering fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Before the ground is disturbed at a work site, an employer must contact the buried facilities owners to identify and mark the location of the buried facilities.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-18

    Type: Struck

    Incident summary

    Two workers were working on storm drains in a residential area. With their truck parked in front of a driveway, the passenger got out of the vehicle, lifted a storm drain grate and stepped down into the storm drain to work.

    The second worker remained in the driver seat. When a vehicle pulled up needing access to the driveway, the second worker drove the truck forward, striking and fatally injuring the worker who was working in the storm drain.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot. Ensure that the traffic is controlled to protect the workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-02

    Type: Struck by object

    Incident summary

    A worker was operating a telehandler (lifting machine incorporating a telescopic boom fitted with a lifting attachment) when the equipment tipped, striking another worker and causing fatal injury.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • Employers must ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
    • Employers must not permit a worker to remain within range of a moving load or moving part of a powered mobile equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-03

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    Workers were in the process of repairing/replacing metal flashing on a fourth-floor balcony underneath the railing. A worker fell into the railing, which was not secured, and fell from the balcony, suffering fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Workers working above a vertical distance of 3 m require a fall protection system.
    • The employer must ensure workers use the appropriate fall protection equipment until it is safe to remove.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-06

    Type: Drowning

    Incident summary

    An excavator operator was sloping the banks of a frozen, snow-covered dugout on a rural grazing lease when the excavator broke through the ice and sank below the surface. The cab and engine compartment became completely submerged under water, and the operator could not escape. The operator suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • The employer must ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
    • If a worker is to work on ice with water beneath it, the employer must ensure that the ice will support the load to be placed on it.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-07

    Type: Struck

    Incident summary

    A full size pickup truck being moved from the path of a side boom crane backed over a worker. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • Always check the work area for potential dangers before moving powered mobile equipment.
    • Vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot or on equipment. Ensure that the traffic is controlled to protect the workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-08

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

    Two workers were testing a frac sand handling system filled with sand. The structure collapsed, trapping the two workers and were fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the ‘line of fire’ of potential hazardous energy.
    • Ensure equipment is installed, used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-16

    Type: Pinned

    Incident summary

    A worker was asked to conduct service duties on a vehicle afterhours. The worker elevated the rear of the vehicle using a bottle jack and jack stands. When lowering the vehicle after the service was complete, the worker became lodged between the floor and the rear bumper of the vehicle. The worker was found the following morning and had suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Ensure equipment is used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specification or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
    • If a worker is working alone, ensure there is an effective and regular communication system between the worker and the employer or employer’s designate.

    Safety resources

  • Manufacturing, packaging and processing

    Incident Notice: 2023-04

    Type: Burns

    Incident summary

    A worker had entered an operating smokehouse when the door closed behind them. Because the internal emergency exit lever was not attached and the external control (door stop) was not engaged, the worker was trapped inside the smokehouse. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that a door used to enter or leave an enclosed area that poses a hazard to workers entering the area is kept in good working order and has a means of opening it from the inside at all times.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2023-01

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident Summary

    A worker was guiding a telehandler operator who was moving a wind screen panel out of a fabrication shop. The panel's supports suddenly twisted, causing it to fall on the worker. Personnel who were on site immediately lifted the panel off the worker, but the worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers, an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part.
    • The operator must not move powered mobile equipment or a load if that movement will expose a worker to danger from either the load or a part of the equipment moving.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-26

    Type: Explosion

    Incident summary

    Two workers were performing welding and other work on top of an oil production tank when an explosion occurred. Both workers sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that hot work is not begun until:
      • a hot work permit is issued
      • the hot work location is cleared of combustible materials or suitably isolated from combustible materials
      • procedures are implemented to ensure continuous safe performance of the hot work
      • testing shows that the atmosphere does not contain a flammable substance, in a mixture with air, in an amount exceeding 20% of that substance’s explosive limit for gas or vapours
    • An employer must ensure that atmospheric tests are repeated at regular intervals appropriate to the hazards associated with the work being performed.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-09

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    A worker was working on a ladder when a support beam broke free and struck the worker, who then fell from the ladder. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers, an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part.
    • If a worker may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-08

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    A worker was feeding boards into a planer when the board became jammed. The worker attempted to free the material using a steel bar, which recoiled and struck the worker’s head, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that equipment is operated, serviced, adjusted and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-06

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    An overhead crane operator was positioning a pump cover when the equipment came free from rigging and struck and pinned a worker, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that work is arranged, if it is reasonably practicable, so that a load does not pass over workers.
    • An employer must ensure that rigging to be used during a work shift is inspected thoroughly prior to each period of continuous use during the shift.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-21

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    Two workers were at a landfill to dump a bin of garbage. The driver used a truck hoist to remove the bin from the truck. The second worker reached into the bin through the doors, to dislodge some garbage that was stuck. One of the bin doors swung, striking the worker and knocking them off balance. The driver saw the worker collapse and called out, but there was no response. The driver went to worker, who was shaking and unresponsive. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers, an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part.
    • The operator must not move powered mobile equipment or a load if that movement will expose a worker to danger from either the load or a part of the equipment moving.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-15

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    A worker was moving a two tonne I-beam using a gantry crane when the I-beam released from the rigging, striking and pinning the worker. The worker sustained fatal injury.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • When workers are required to rig loads, ensure workers are competent to assess the weight of the load, the rigging limitations and the integrity of the lifting equipment.
    • The employer must ensure that rigging is thoroughly inspected prior to use.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-09

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    A worker operating a bobcat struck another worker who was bent down. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Check work areas around powered mobile equipment for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment at any time.
    • Alert workers to any proposed movement of powered mobile equipment to ensure that they are out of danger areas posed by the equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-07

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was standing on top of a tanker truck straightening a valve using a length of pipe. The worker threw the pipe to the ground, lost their balance and fell to the ground, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure workers are protected from falling.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-06

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    An electrician was in the process of disconnecting power to the dust collector located outside against a warehouse wall. The worker was in a metal basket that was on the forks of a forklift. The metal basket was being raised into position when the basket tipped over, and the worker fell over the basket railings onto the concrete surface below. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that a cage or work platform mounted on the forks of a powered mobile equipment is securely attached to the lifting carriage or forks of the powered mobile equipment.
    • An employer must ensure that a worker on a boom-supported elevating work platform, boom supported aerial device or forklift truck platform uses a personal fall arrest system.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-01

    Type: Struck by object

    Incident summary

    Two workers were loading concrete blocks onto a flatbed truck for transport using a loader. One worker connected the hoisting chain from the loader’s forks to a concrete block. The second worker was operating the loader and proceeded to lift the concrete block. The concrete block swung, striking the worker who had connected the chains, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • Ensure workers use tag lines when moving suspended loads so they are removed from the line of fire of the load and the powered mobile equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-11

    Type: Struck

    Incident summary

    A worker was using a telehandler (a lifting machine incorporating a telescopic boom fitted with a lifting attachment) to lift roof trusses from a pile onto the top of a wood framed structure. In the process of moving a truss, the telehandler started to tip. The worker attempted to exit the powered mobile equipment as it was tipping over and was struck on the head. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • When workers are required to rig loads, ensure workers are competent to assess the weight of the load, the rigging limitations and the integrity of the lifting equipment.
    • Ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operating according to manufacturer specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-13

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

    A worker was unstrapping a load of steel I-beams when the load shifted resulting in the worker being crushed under several of the I-beams. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Be familiar with safe work procedures for unloading materials.
    • Secure loads so that they cannot shift and become a danger to workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-14

    Type: Entangled

    Incident summary

    A worker was operating a lathe when the worker’s hair became entangled in the rotating work piece, pulling the worker onto the lathe.The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • If contact between moving parts of machinery and hair is likely, an employer must ensure that the worker’s head and facial hair is short or confined and cannot be snagged or caught.
    • Ensure safeguards are provided if a worker may accidentally, or through the work process, come into contact with moving parts of equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-15

    Type: Pinned

    Incident summary

    A worker was conducting abrasive blasting operations on a suspended piece of equipment. The equipment was suspended from the raised bucket of a tractor. The tractor’s hydraulics failed and the equipment fell and pinned the worker. The worker was fatally injured as a result of the incident.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Whenever possible, perform maintenance work without suspending the equipment.
    • A person must not leave the controls of powered mobile equipment unattended unless a suspended or elevated part of the powered mobile equipment is either landed, secured in a safe position, or both.
    • An employer must ensure that equipment is operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-17

    Type: Struck

    Incident summary

    A worker was struck by a telehandler while loading plastic bundles into a trailer, suffering fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot or on equipment. Ensure that the traffic is controlled to protect the workers.
    • Employers are responsible to ensure that operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate powered mobile equipment.

    Safety resources

  • Mining and petroleum development

    Incident Notice: 2022-05

    Type: Unknown

    Incident summary

    A worker who had been operating mobile equipment at a work site was found deceased inside the equipment’s water tank.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • The employer must ensure workers are trained in all matters necessary to perform their work in a healthy and safe manner.
    • An employer must, for any worker working alone, provide an effective communication system that includes regular contact by the employer or designate at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard associated with the worker’s work.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-04

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    An overhead crane operator was positioning a large piece of equipment when it came free from rigging and struck and pinned a worker, which resulted in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that work is arranged, if it is reasonably practicable, so that a load does not pass over workers.
    • An employer must ensure that rigging to be used during a work shift is inspected thoroughly prior to each period of continuous use during the shift.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-02

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    A worker was driving a loaded haul truck when they collided with the rear of another loaded haul truck. The collision resulted in fatal injuries to the worker.

    Safety reminders

    • Employers must assess, and eliminate or control, all existing or potential hazards at the work site.
    • The employer must ensure workers are trained in all matters necessary to perform their work in a healthy and safe manner.
    • If work is to be done that may endanger a worker, the employer must ensure that the work is done by a worker that is competent to do the work.                                                                                                     

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-25

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    A work crew was removing a check valve from a section of pipeline. While disconnecting the check valve, the pressure in the pipeline forced the check valve to move vertically. The moving check valve struck a worker positioned nearby. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • The employer must ensure no work is performed on a pipeline until the flow in the pipeline is:
      • stopped or regulated to a safe level
      • the location where the work is to be carried out is isolated and secured using a system of blanking, blinding or double block and bleed

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-14

    Type: Explosion

    Incident summary

    Workers were in the process of decommissioning several pieces of equipment at a well site. A worker stood on top of a tank at the site and used a gas powered cut-off saw to cut piping, which caused an explosion. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that a hot work permit is issued for any hot work being conducted.
    • An employer must ensure that hot work is not begun until the hot work location is cleared of combustible materials and testing shows that the atmosphere does not contain a flammable substance exceeding 20% of its lower explosive limit for gas or vapour.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-10

    Type: Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

    A worker was operating an excavator to build a berm along the bank of a ramp near a fresh water pond. The bank of the ramp slumped into the water, causing the excavator to tip over the bank, submerging the cab of the excavator in the pond and trapping the worker inside. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Check work areas around powered mobile equipment for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment at any time.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-04

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    A worker (lead technician) was working the night shift supervising the shutdown of water operations to a well site. Workers were clearing a water hose that lay in the ditch along the main road and were pigging the hose from the work site to the water pit. As they were pigging the line, they encountered head pressure that slowed/stopped the pig. The lead technician was chasing the pig by following the hose in the work truck and getting out occasionally to feel the hose for pressure. During this time, workers were in communication by two-way radio. When workers did not get a response from the lead technician, they went to look for the worker. They found the truck on the road, with headlights and hazard lights on, facing traffic. The worker was found nearby, unresponsive in an apparent hit and run. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • The employer must ensure workers on foot and exposed to the hazards of moving vehicles wear highly visible apparel that is clearly distinguishable.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-02

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    A pipe got jammed in a sonic drilling rig equipped with a hands-free rod handling system. The derrick hand reached in to free up the jammed pipe but was pinned between the carousel and the pipe clamp, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that the operational control on equipment is designed, located or protected to prevent unintentional activation.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the ‘Line of Fire’ of potential hazardous energy.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-04

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    While moving a pump house, a worker was struck by a dozer and pinned against the pump house. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • Workers must be alerted to any proposed movement of powered mobile equipment to ensure that they are out of danger areas posed by the equipment.
    • Ground workers must maintain line-of-sight communication with workers operating powered mobile equipment.

    Safety resources

  • Mobile equipment operation

    Incident Notice: 2020-09

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident Summary

    A worker was using a compactor to compact material for a temporary lane during highway construction. The compactor was reversing and travelled over the edge of the compacted material, tipping over onto its side. The worker was caught between the rollover protective equipment and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Employers are responsible to ensure that operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate powered mobile equipment.
    • The employer must ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety Resources

  • Provincial and municipal government, education and health services

    Industry Notice: 2023-10

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    Two workers were unloading a tractor from a flat deck trailer when the tractor's front wheels came off the ramps and dropped to the ground. The worker steering it was ejected from the operator platform and run over by the tractor, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • The operator of powered mobile equipment must operate the equipment safely and maintain full control of the equipment at all times.

    Safety resources

    Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
    Powered mobile equipment rollover safety precautions

    Incident Notice: 2023-05

    Type: Violence

    Incident summary

    Two city police officers were responding to a domestic dispute when both officers were fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazard cannot be eliminated, it must be controlled.
    • Employers must follow the hierarchy of controls. If reasonably practicable, an employer must control a hazard through the use of engineering controls; otherwise, the employer must use administrative controls. If administrative controls also cannot control the hazard, the employer must ensure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is used. Employers may need a combination of engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE to protect workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-24

    Type: Drowning

    Incident summary

    A diver was hired to assess, inspect and clear debris from gates that controlled the flow of water between 2 reservoirs. After entering the gate area, the diver sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • The employer must ensure workers are trained in all matters necessary to perform their work in a healthy and safe manner.
    • An employer must ensure that diving operations meet the requirements of:
      • CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z275.1-05, Hyperbaric Facilities
      • CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z275.2-04, Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations
      • CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z275.4-02, Competency Standard for Diving Operations

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-21

    Type: Struck by vehicle

    Incident summary

    A police officer initiated a legal traffic stop when the vehicle that was stopped drove away, dragging the officer, who sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Pay attention to your surroundings.
    • Wearing the appropriate clothing to increase visibility.
    • Follow your internal training procedures.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-19

    Type: Assault

    Incident summary

    A worker was fatally injured by a client while conducting regular work duties in a group home.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess workplace violence hazards.
    • Develop policies and procedures to minimize or eliminate workplace violence and potential danger to workers.

    Safety resources

  • Transportation, communication and utilities

    Incident Notice: 2023-02

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    A worker was driving a tanker truck on a private service road in poor weather when the worker lost control of vehicle and drove off a bridge. The tanker truck rolled, causing fatal injuries to the worker.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If a worker is working alone, the employer must ensure there is an effective and regular communication system between the worker and the employer (or the employer’s designate).
    • The operator of powered mobile equipment must report to the employer any conditions affecting the safe operation of the equipment, operate the equipment safely and maintain full control of the equipment at all times.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-23

    Type: Motor vehicle collision

    Incident summary

    As a semi-truck approached a single-lane bridge, it was struck by the rear wheels of an oncoming empty logging truck that had just crossed the bridge. The semi-truck lost control, hit the bridge’s guardrail, and fell into the water. The driver was fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must ensure that bridges, elevated platforms and other structures used by vehicles transporting workers, logs, or other forest products in forestry operations are constructed and maintained to permit safe transit.
    • If 2 or more vehicles may simultaneously use a section of road that is too narrow to permit them to pass each other, an employer must ensure a traffic control system is installed on the road.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-16

    Type: Drowning

    Incident summary

    After a group of workers finished conducting training exercises on a lake and returned to the dock, the boat’s operator remained behind to drain the boat. After some time, when the workers came back to look for the operator, they saw the boat adrift on the lake. The boat operator’s body was found some time later floating just below the lake’s surface.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If a worker is working alone, ensure there is an effective and regular communication system between the worker and the employer (or the employer’s designate).
    • If there is a foreseeable danger that a worker could be exposed to the hazard of drowning, an employer must ensure that the worker wears a life jacket.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-03

    Type: Entangled

    Incident summary

    A truck driver offloading water from a tanker truck became entangled in equipment and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • An employer must provide safeguards if a worker may accidentally, or through the work process, come into contact with moving parts of machinery or equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-22

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    Two workers were loading a trailer at a yard. One worker was using a loader to load several pieces of pipe onto the trailer. The second worker was standing nearby. The load spilled, striking the standing worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers, an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part.
    • The operator must not move powered mobile equipment or a load if that movement will expose a worker to danger from either the load or a part of the equipment moving.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-07

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    A worker operating a bus proceeded to exit the vehicle after engaging the parking brake, but leaving the vehicle in drive. The vehicle suddenly moved forward striking the worker as the worker attempted to run across the front of the bus. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Employers and operators must ensure powered mobile equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-03

    Type: Burn

    Incident summary

    A worker was walking on a sawdust pile. The pile gave way, and the worker fell through a smouldering crevice in the sawdust. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that a worker can enter and leave a work area safely at all times.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-15

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    Workers were in the process of moving a portable classroom into place with a flatbed truck and trailer. A worker was underneath the portable classroom as the flatbed truck was moving into place. The worker was crushed between the portable classroom and a steel structural post, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part of powered mobile equipment.
    • A worker must not remain within range of a moving load or part of powered mobile equipment.
    • Work areas around powered mobile equipment must be checked for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment at any time.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-12

    Type: Asphyxiation/Crushed

    Incident summary

    A worker was on a large coal pile monitoring the coal movement into a hopper when the coal surface where the worker was standing collapsed. The worker fell toward the entrance of the operational hopper and was engulfed by coal, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • If a worker may be injured if material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-03

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    A truck driver hauling equipment was attempting to ascend a steep road covered in snow and ice. The driver could not make it up the road so another worker, operating a front end loader, went to assist. The worker positioned the front end loader in front of the truck. The truck driver went across the front of the truck at the same time the loader slid backward and impacted the truck driver, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Work areas around powered mobile equipment must be checked for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment at any time.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-21

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    A truck driver was unlocking a compound gate when their unattended truck rolled, pinning the driver. The driver suffered fatal injuries and was found a short time later.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
    • A person must not leave the controls of a powered mobile equipment unattended unless the equipment is secured against unintentional movement.

    Safety resources

     

  • Trucking Service - General

    Incident Notice: 2022-17

    Type: Struck by

    Incident Summary

    A worker saw someone reversing a pickup truck into a warehouse loading bay and went to provide directions to the driver. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which accelerated and mounted the step of the loading bay, striking the worker and causing fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers, an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part.
    • The operator must not move powered mobile equipment or a load if that movement will expose a worker to danger from either the load or a part of the equipment moving

    Safety Resources

  • Wholesale and retail

    Incident Notice: 2023-03

    Type: Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

    A worker was doing sandblasting work in a tarp shed while wearing a supplied air respirator equipped with a hood. The respirator was connected to a supplied air system fed by an air compressor outside. A nearby co-worker heard the equipment begin to sound as if it were out of control and went to investigate; the worker was discovered on the ground and not breathing. The worker was transported to hospital, but later died.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • If a worker is performing abrasive blasting, the employer must ensure that the worker wears a hood specifically designed for abrasive blasting, supplied with air that is at a positive pressure of not more than 140 kilopascals.
    • An employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment required at a work site is approved by NIOSH or by another standards-setting and equipment-testing organization, or combination of organizations, approved by an OHS Director.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-11

    Type: Violence

    Incident summary

    A member of the public entered the work site and physically attacked a worker who was working alone, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • The OHS Code states that violence is considered a hazard for the purposes of hazard assessment, elimination and control.
    • An employer must develop a violence prevention plan. The plan must include a policy and procedures to minimize or eliminate workplace violence and the potential danger to workers.
    • If a worker is working alone, ensure there is an effective and regular communication system between the worker and the employer (or the employer’s designate).

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-10

    Type: Violence

    Incident summary

    A member of the public entered the work site and physically attacked a worker, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled.
    • The OHS Code states that violence is considered a hazard for the purposes of hazard assessment, elimination and control.
    • An employer must develop a violence prevention plan. The plan must include a policy and procedures to minimize or eliminate workplace violence and the potential danger to workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-24

    Type: Violence

    Incident summary

    A suspect armed with a gun entered a store in an attempt to rob it. A worker was shot during the attempted robbery and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Employers must assess, and eliminate or control, all existing or potential hazards at the work site.
    • The OHS Code states that violence is considered a hazard for the purposes of hazard assessment, elimination and control.
    • An employer must develop a violence prevention plan. The plan must include a policy and procedures to minimize or eliminate workplace violence and the potential danger to workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-05

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

    Two heavy equipment mechanics were attempting to remove the counterweights from an excavator. One worker was on a stepladder, and the other worker was at ground level. When they removed the final mounting bolt, the counterweight became dislodged and fell from the excavator. The worker who was on the stepladder was crushed by the counterweight and sustained serious injuries to both legs. The worker at ground level was struck by the counterweight and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Where a worker might be injured if equipment is dislodged, both the employer and worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-01

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

    A worker was moving rail cars when the worker was caught in a pinch point beneath the rail car, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • Workers must be alerted to any proposed movement of powered mobile equipment to ensure that they are out of danger areas posed by the equipment.
    • Consider the speed of the moving vehicles and the duties and work location of workers relative to vehicles and powered mobile equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-22

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    A worker was moving stone slabs using an overhead crane with a clamp. When the worker attempted to move two slabs at the same time, the slabs slipped out of the jaws of the clamp and pinned the worker between slabs from the crane and stored slabs. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Be familiar with safe work procedures for equipment and unloading materials.
    • Secure loads so that they cannot shift and become a danger to workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-05

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

    A worker was towing a triple-axle 5th wheel RV trailer with a tractor. When the worker was found, the tractor-trailer had jack-knifed, and the worker was pinned between the RV trailer and the tractor. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • Ensure equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
    • Employers must ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-10

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

    A delivery truck broke down in an alley while making deliveries. The worker who was driving the truck called for a field service mechanic. While performing diagnostics under the delivery truck, the truck rolled back onto the mechanic. The mechanic suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • A person must not leave the controls of powered mobile equipment unattended unless the equipment is secured against unintentional movement by an effective method of immobilizing the equipment.
    • Follow equipment manufacturers’ service and maintenance instructions.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-12

    Type: Pinned

    Incident summary

    A worker was cleaning the sump pit of a car wash while the car wash drains were being emptied by a vacuum truck. While the worker was in the sump pit a vehicle entered the car wash. When the vehicle proceeded to exit the car wash, it came into contact with the worker in the pit, pinning and fatally injuring the worker.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot or on equipment. Ensure that the traffic is controlled to protect workers.
    • Consider using spotters when using mobile equipment around high hazard areas.

    Safety resources

Disclaimer: This material is for information only. The information provided in this material is solely for the user’s information and convenience and, while thought to be accurate and functional, it is provided without warranty of any kind. The Crown, its agents, employees or contractors will not be liable to you for any damages, direct or indirect, arising out of your use of the information contained in this material. If in doubt with respect to any information contained within this material, or for confirmation of legal requirements, please refer to the current edition of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code or other applicable legislation. Further, if there is any inconsistency or conflict between any of the information contained in this material and the applicable legislative requirement, the legislative requirement shall prevail. The law is constantly changing with new legislation, amendments to existing legislation, and decisions from the courts. It is important that you and keep yourself informed of the current law. This material may be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted for non-commercial purposes. The source of this material must be acknowledged when publishing or issuing it to others. This material is not to be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted for commercial purposes without written permission from the Government of Alberta.

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