OHS Industry notices

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
Industry notice: 2024-26
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker was dismantling roofing sheets on a high flat roof when the worker fell through a section of the roofing sheet to the ground. 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 and a supervisor must ensure that a worker is protected from falling if a worker may fall:
  1. at a temporary or permanent work area, a vertical distance of three metres or more,
  2. at a temporary or permanent work area, a vertical distance of less than three metres if there is an unusual possibility of injury,
  3. at a temporary or permanent work area, into or onto a hazardous substance or object, or through an opening in a work surface, or
  4. at a permanent work area, a vertical distance of more than 1.2 metres and less than three metres.
- An employer must develop procedures in a fall protection plan for a work site if a worker at the work site may fall three metres or more and the worker is not protected by guardrails.
- 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
Industry notice: 2024-17
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
A wildland firefighter was struck and fatally injured by a falling tree while battling a forest fire.
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.
- 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
Industry notice: 2023-12
Type: Electrocution
Incident summary
A worker who was using an industrial power washer was discovered lying on the floor. The person who found the worker tried to take the power washer out of the worker’s hand, but received an electrical shock. The worker was fatally injured.
Safety reminders
- Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If a hazard cannot be eliminated, it must be controlled.
- Employers 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.
- Employers must ensure that equipment is used, installed, stored, serviced, dismantled, and subjected to any other work in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 3 – Specifications and Certifications
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code Part 19 - Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19: Powered Mobile Equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS explanation guide: Section 228 – Duty to use personal protective equipment
Business and professional services
Industry notice: 2024-34
Type: Violence
Incident summary
A security officer on patrol at a client's site had a violent interaction with two assailants, resulting in the security officer being fatally shot.
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 a violence and harassment prevention plan.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-30
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
A worker who was operating a company vehicle lost control and drove through the wall of a restaurant. A restaurant worker inside was struck by the debris 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.
- A worker must not operate powered mobile equipment unless the worker is:
  1. trained to safely operate the equipment,
  2. has demonstrated competency in operating the equipment to a competent worker designated by the employer,
  3. is familiar with the equipment’s operating instructions, and
  4. is authorized by the employer to operate the equipment.
- If a worker uses a personal vehicle for work purposes, an employer must ensure that the worker complies with the appropriate licensed driver requirements of provincial legislation.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-18
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A golf course worker who had been driving a golf cart down a steep slope was found on the ground several metres from the vehicle. The worker succumbed to their 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 must 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.
- The operator of powered mobile equipment must:
  1. report to the employer any conditions affecting the safe operation of the equipment,
  2. operate the equipment safely,
  3. maintain full control of the equipment at all times,
  4. use the seat belts and other safety equipment in the powered mobile equipment,
  5. ensure that passengers in the powered mobile equipment use the seat belts and other safety equipment in the powered mobile equipment, and
  6. keep the cab, floor and deck of the powered mobile equipment free of materials, tools or other objects that could interfere with the operation of the controls or create a tripping or other hazard to the operator or other occupants of the equipment.
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Act, Part 1 - Obligations of employers
- OHS Code, Part 19 - Operators responsibilities
- Powered mobile equipment rollover safety precautions
Industry notice: 2024-13
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker was on a ladder cleaning an upper window at a residence when the ladder shifted, and the worker fell onto a wrought iron fence. The worker sustained a fatal injury.
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 worker must ensure that:
  1. a portable ladder is secured against movement and placed on a base that is stable
  2. the base of an inclined portable ladder is no further from the base of the wall or structure than one-quarter of the distance between the base of the ladder and the place where the ladder contacts the wall
  3. the side rails of the portable ladder extend at least one metre above the platform, landing or parapet if the ladder is used as a means to access the platform, landing or parapet
- 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, into or onto a hazardous substance or object, or through an opening in a work surface.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-10
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
A volunteer worker was installing support posts for sponsorship signs around a motorbike track. A dirt bike rider veered off the track and struck the volunteer, who 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.
- 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.
- An employer must ensure that a worker on foot and exposed to traffic wears high-visibility safety apparel.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Section 194(1) – Vehicle traffic control
Industry notice: 2024-03
Type: Struck
Incident summary
After a member of the public was seen breaking into a vehicle at a parkade, 2 workers approached the individual, and a physical altercation ensued. The altercation resulted in one of the workers 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.
- Employers 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Harassment and violence in the workplace
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control
- OHS Act, Part 1: General obligations
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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: 2024-36
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker who was installing vinyl siding near the top of a two-storey residential building fell to the ground from the platform of an aluminum pump jack scaffolding system, 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 three metres or more.
- An employer must ensure that equipment is used, erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, serviced, tested, adjusted, calibrated, maintained, repaired, destroyed, dismantled and subjected to any other work in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-35
Type: Violence
Incident summary
A contracted worker arrived at the work site and confronted the foreman. During the altercation, the foreman was fatally shot by 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.
- 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
Industry notice: 2024-33
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker who had climbed up onto the gooseneck of a flat deck trailer fell to the ground and 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 worker may have to climb onto a vehicle or its load at any location where it is not reasonably practicable to provide a fall protection system for the worker, an employer must take steps to eliminate or reduce the need for the worker to climb onto the vehicle or its load.
- An employer using procedures in place of fall protection equipment must ensure that:
  1. a hazard assessment is completed before work at height begins,
  2. the procedures to be followed while performing the work must be in writing and available to workers before the work begins,
  3. the work is carried out in such a way that minimizes the number of workers exposed to a fall hazard while work is performed,
  4. the work is limited to light duty tasks of limited duration,
  5. the worker performing the work is competent to do it,
  6. when used for inspection, investigation or assessment activities, these activities take place prior to the actual start of work or after work has been completed, and
  7. the procedures do not expose a worker to additional hazards.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-32
Type: Struck/Crushed by
Incident summary
A worker who was working near steel piles was fatally injured when an excavator being operated nearby spun around and crushed the worker against one of the piles.
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:
  1. an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part, and
  2. the operator must not move the load or the equipment if a worker is exposed to the danger.
- An employer must ensure that, if a powered mobile equipment operator’s view of the equipment’s path of travel is obstructed or cannot be seen directly or indirectly in a direction, the powered mobile equipment has:
  1. an automatic audible warning device that activates if the equipment controls are positioned to move the equipment in that direction, and is audible above the ambient noise level,
  2. a warning device or method appropriate to the hazards of the work site, or
  3. an automatic system that stops the equipment if a worker is in its path.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 - Powered mobile equipment
Industry notice: 2024-31
Type: Fire/Explosion
Incident summary
A structural fire began around the solar panels on the roof of a shop. A worker who had gone into the shop to retrieve equipment was fatally injured when an explosion occurred.
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 establish an emergency response plan for responding to an emergency that may require rescue or evacuation.
- An employer must ensure that equipment is used, erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, serviced, tested, adjusted, calibrated, maintained, repaired, destroyed, dismantled and subjected to any other work in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-29
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
Workers were spreading, grading and compacting gravel in a gated industrial complex when a worker was run over by a grader, 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.
- If the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers,
  1. an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part, and
  2. the operator must not move the load or the equipment if a worker is exposed to the danger.
- An employer must ensure that, if a powered mobile equipment operator’s view of the equipment’s path of travel is obstructed or cannot be seen directly or indirectly in a direction, the powered mobile equipment has:
  1. an automatic audible warning device that activates if the equipment controls are positioned to move the equipment in that direction, and is audible above the ambient noise level,
  2. a warning device or method appropriate to the hazards of the work site, or
  3. an automatic system that stops the equipment if a worker is in its path.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry notice: 2024-27
Type: Crushed by
Incident summary
While a disabled water truck was being towed by another vehicle, a worker attempted to jump on to the water truck by grabbing the mirror. The mirror broke, causing the worker fall to the ground. The worker was run over by the water truck 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 the movement of a load or the cab, counterweight or any other part of powered mobile equipment creates a danger to workers:
  1. an employer must not permit a worker to remain within range of the moving load or part, and
  2. the operator must not move the load or the equipment if a worker is exposed to the danger.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry notice: 2024-25
Type: Crush/Asphyxiation
Incident summary
A worker entering an excavation was pinned when a large piece of clay came loose. After an unsuccessful rescue attempt, an excavator operator was calling for assistance when the walls of the excavation collapsed, covering the worker completely. Despite the further rescue efforts of emergency services, 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.
- 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, the employer must ensure that the worker is protected from cave-ins or sliding or rolling materials by:
  1. cutting back the walls of 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 above methods.
- Employers must ensure loose materials are scaled and trimmed from the sides of an excavation if workers may be on or near the sides.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-24
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
A worker was unloading a trencher from a trailer when the trencher ran over and pinned 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.
- 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.
- An employer must ensure that powered mobile equipment is inspected by a competent worker for defects and conditions that are hazardous or may create a hazard.
- An employer must ensure that equipment is used, erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, serviced, tested, adjusted, calibrated, maintained, repaired, destroyed, dismantled and subjected to any other work in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 - Powered mobile equipment
Industry notice: 2024-23
Type: Assault
Incident summary
A worker became involved in a confrontation with a delivery driver, resulting in the worker being assaulted and 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 develop and implement a violence and violence prevention plan.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-22
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker was on the sloped roof of a two-story duplex cleaning the gutters, having accessed the roof using a portable extension ladder. The worker fell off the roof and landed on 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.
- At a temporary or permanent work area, an employer and a supervisor must ensure that workers are protected from falling if a worker may fall a vertical distance of three metres or more.
- 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.
- An employer must develop procedures that comply with Part 9 of the OHS Code in a fall protection plan for a work site if a worker at the site may fall three metres or more and the worker is not protected by guardrails.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-21
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
A worker was working on reinstalling hydraulic cylinders on a truck boom. The worker was bent down inspecting a possible oil leak when another worker moved the truck into reverse, running over the worker and resulting in fatal injury.
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 operating powered mobile equipment, the operator must complete a visual inspection of the equipment and the surrounding area to ensure that the powered mobile equipment is in safe operating condition and that no worker, including the operator, is endangered when the equipment is started up.
- If machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment is to be serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted or inspected, or if any other work is to be performed on the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment that requires the control of hazardous energy, an employer must ensure that no worker performs such work on the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment until it has come to a complete stop and:
  1. all hazardous energy that may pose a hazard to a worker is isolated by activation of an energy-isolating device and the energy-isolating device is secured, or
  2. the machinery, equipment or powered mobile equipment is otherwise rendered inoperative in a manner that prevents its unintended activation and provides equal or greater protection than the protection afforded under clause (1).
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-20
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
Workers were lifting and moving roof trusses using a telehandler. The load became unstable, falling and striking a worker who had been walking next to it, causing a fatal injury.
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 may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.
- If workers are in danger because of the movement of a load being lifted, lowered or moved by a lifting device, an employer must ensure that:
  1. a worker uses a tag line of sufficient length to control the load,
  2. the tag line is used in a way that prevents the load from striking the worker controlling the tag line, and
  3. a tag line is used when it allows worker separation from the load.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-16
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker who was helping remove a condenser unit on a roof fell through an opening to the floor below. The worker was transported to hospital, but succumbed to their 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.
- At a temporary work area, an employer and a supervisor must ensure workers are protected from falling if they may fall a vertical distance of three metres or more.
- An employer must ensure that an opening or hole through which a worker can fall is protected by:
  1. a securely attached cover designed to support an anticipated load, or
  2. guardrails with toe boards.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-15
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker on a sloped roof 8 metres high fell to the ground 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 and a supervisor must ensure that a worker is protected from falling, if a worker may fall at a temporary work area, a vertical distance of three metres or more.
- An employer must develop procedures in a fall protection plan for a work site if a worker at the work site may fall three metres or more and the worker is not protected by guardrails.
- 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
Industry notice: 2024-14
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
A worker was compressing a spring into a tube using a 15-ton bottle jack. After the spring was secured with a large metal cap, the jack failed. The compressed spring and the metal cap released, striking 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 that equipment is used, erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, serviced, tested, adjusted, calibrated, maintained, repaired, destroyed, dismantled and subjected to any other work in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
- If a worker may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-12
Type: Crush by
Incident summary
A worker was found with serious injuries underneath a riding floor scrubber/sweeper they had been operating in a parkade structure. The worker was transported to hospital but succumbed to their 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:
  1. report to the employer any conditions affecting the safe operation of the equipment
  2. operate the equipment safely
  3. maintain full control of the equipment at all times
  4. use the seat belts and other safety equipment in the powered mobile equipment
  5. ensure that passengers in the powered mobile equipment use the seat belts and other safety equipment in the powered mobile equipment
  6. keep the cab, floor and deck of the powered mobile equipment free of materials, tools or other objects that could interfere with the operation of the controls or create a tripping or other hazard to the operator or other occupants of the equipment
- If the OHS Code imposes a duty on a worker, the worker’s employer must ensure that the worker performs that duty.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry notice: 2024-11
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker was in an aerial work platform installing ceiling fans at a height of approximately 12 metres. The work platform tipped over while being operated close to its maximum extension, resulting in a fatal injury 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.
- An employer must ensure equipment is used, erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, serviced, tested, adjusted, calibrated, maintained, repaired, destroyed, dismantled and subjected to any other work in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or the specifications certified by a professional engineer.
- 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Section 12 – Following specifications
Industry notice: 2024-08
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker was working on the sixth-floor balcony of a new residential apartment complex. A gust of wind caused a wall to fall over, striking the worker. The worker fell from the balcony to the ground, 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.
- If a worker may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.
- An employer and a supervisor must ensure that a worker is protected from falling, if a worker may fall at a temporary work area, a vertical distance of 3 metres or more.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Section 189 – Securing equipment and materials
Industry notice: 2024-07
Type: Crushed by
Incident summary
Two workers were returning to their base work site on a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle (ATV) after making a delivery to a remote area when the ATV flipped. One of the workers was fatally injured and the other worker sustained serious 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
  1. report to the employer any conditions affecting the safe operation of the equipment;
  2. operate the equipment safely;
  3. maintain full control of the equipment at all times;
  4. use the seat belts and other safety equipment in the powered mobile equipment;
  5. ensure that passengers in the powered mobile equipment use the seat belts and other safety equipment in the powered mobile equipment; and
  6. keep the cab, floor and deck of the powered mobile equipment free of materials, tools or other objects that could interfere with the operation of the controls or create a tripping or other hazard to the operator or other occupants of the equipment.
- If the OHS Code imposes a duty on a worker, the worker’s employer must ensure that the worker performs that duty.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-06
Type: Violence
Incident summary
A worker entered the work site with a firearm and shot 2 other workers after getting into an altercation with them. One was seriously injured and the other was fatally injured. The worker with the firearm was then fatally injured from a self-inflicted wound.
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.
- Employers 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
Industry notice: 2023-22
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker working on a flat roof was wearing a full body harness, but the harness was not attached to any anchored lifelines. When the deteriorated wooden roof base failed, the worker fell through the roof to the ground 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 a worker may fall at a temporary work area, the employer and a supervisor must ensure that the worker is protected from falling a vertical distance of three metres or more.
- An employer must ensure that workers are trained in the safe use of the fall protection system before allowing them to work in an area where a fall protection system must be used.
  - In addition to the training, the employer must ensure the workers are made aware of the fall hazards particular to that work site and the steps taken to eliminate or control those hazards.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2023-21
Type: Fall
Incident summary
A worker fell from a step ladder while doing construction work in a house. The worker landed on concrete and sustained a serious injury, which they succumbed to 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.
- A worker may work from a portable ladder without fall protection if:
  - the work is a light-duty task of short duration at each location,
  - the worker’s centre of balance is at the centre of the ladder at all times, even with an arm extended beyond the side rails of the ladder, and
  - 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
- OHS Code, Part 8 – Entrances, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders
Industry notice: 2023-19
Type: Fall
Incident summary
Workers were installing shingles on a new three-story home. After the work was completed, a worker started coming down a ladder that had been set up to access the roof. The worker fell an unknown distance and was found on the ground by another worker. The worker succumbed to their injuries the next day.
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 worker must ensure that:
- a portable ladder is secured against movement and placed on a base that is stable,
- the base of an inclined portable ladder is no further from the base of the wall or structure than ¼ of the distance between the base of the ladder and the place where the ladder contacts the wall, and
- the side rails of the portable ladder extend at least 1 metre above the platform, landing or parapet if the ladder is used as a means to access the platform, landing or parapet.
- If the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code imposes a duty on a worker, the worker’s employer must ensure that the worker performs that duty.
Safety resources
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
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 18 – Personal protective equipment
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 – Power mobile equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Occupational health and safety working alone requirements
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 17 Overhead power lines
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- WHMIS 2015 Information for Workers
- WHMIS 2015 Information for Employers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 29 Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS)
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 6 Cranes, hoists and lifting devices
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 15 Managing the control of hazardous energy
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 15 – Managing the control of hazardous energy
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Electrical safety – Basic information (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Securing pipe and other cargo on vehicles
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code: Part 32 – Excavating and tunneling
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Driving for Work; Developing Safe Practices for Employers and Workers
- OHS Code, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers
- OHS Code, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment
- OHS Code, Part 32 – Excavating and Tunnelling
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 32 – Excavating and tunnelling
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 8 – Entrances, walkways, stairways and ladders
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Section 49 - Protection – hazardous substances and energy
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 15 – Managing the control of hazardous energy
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- Explanation Guide: Part 12 general safety precautions
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- Explanation Guide: section 441 disturbing the ground
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- Driving for Work; Developing Safe Practices for Employers and Workers (PB014)
Industry 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
- Explanation Guide, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment
- Powered Mobile Equipment Rollover Safety Precautions (GS012)
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
Industry 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
- Fall Protection Plan (GS010)
- Explanation Guide, Part 9 – Fall Protection
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
Industry 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
- Ice Covers – Best Practices (SH010)
- Explanation Guide, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
Industry 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
- Explanation Guide, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment (LI001)
- Powered Mobile Equipment Rollover Safety Precautions (GS012)
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- OHS Explanation Guide, Part 7 emergency preparedness and response (LI001)
- OHS Explanation Guide, Part 3 specifications and certifications (LI001)
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- Explanation Guide, Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment (LI001)
- Vehicle suspension lifts (AL036)
Manufacturing, packaging and processing
Industry notice: 2024-28
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
As a worker was testing a cylinder for leaks using nitrogen gas under high pressure, the cylinder’s end cap was ejected and struck the worker, 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.
- An employer must ensure that equipment is used, erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, serviced, tested, adjusted, calibrated, maintained, repaired, destroyed, dismantled and subjected to any other work in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
- If a worker may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-09
Type: Fall
Incident summary
Workers delivering cabinets at a residence set up a ramp from the back of the delivery truck to the top of the steps. One worker lost their balance and fell from the ramp onto landscaping rocks. The worker sustained serious injuries and passed away several days later in hospital.
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 walkway, runway or ramp:
  1. is strong enough to support the equipment and workers who may use it
  2. is at least 600 millimetres wide
  3. is wide enough to ensure the safe movement of equipment and workers
  4. has the appropriate toe boards and guardrails required by Part 22 of the OHS Code
- An employer must ensure that the surface of a walkway, runway or ramp has sufficient traction to allow workers to move on it safely.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Section 121(1) – Walkways, runways and ramps
Industry notice: 2024-04
Type: Caught in
Incident summary
A worker was polishing parts of a pipe using a manual lathe that was rotating at high speed. The worker was caught by a rotating component and pulled into the lathe, 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 provide safeguards if a worker may accidentally, or through a work process, come into contact with moving parts of machinery or equipment.
- If contact is likely between moving parts of machinery, electrically energized equipment or part of the work process and a worker’s clothing, personal protective equipment, jewelry, hair or any other thing that may cause a hazard to workers, an employer must ensure that:
  - the worker’s clothing, personal protective equipment and any other thing fits closely to the body,
  - the worker does not wear bracelets, rings, dangling neckwear, a wristwatch or similar articles, and
  - the worker’s head and facial hair is short or confined and cannot be snagged or caught.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2023-17
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
A worker was using a pole to clear an obstruction blocking a sensor in a chipping machine. The pole contacted a rotating part of the machine and was ejected, 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.
- An employer must ensure that equipment is used, erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, serviced, tested, adjusted, calibrated, maintained, repaired, destroyed, dismantled and subjected to any other work in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
- If machinery is to be serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted, or inspected, or if any other work is to be performed on the machinery that requires the control of hazardous energy, an employer must ensure that no worker performs such work on the machinery until it has come to a complete stop.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2023-13
Type: Crushed by
Incident summary
A worker operating a forklift was moving marble slabs that were piled on a stand. The forklift started to lean while moving the slabs, so the worker got out and tried to push the load to straighten it. The marble slabs fell from the stand onto the worker, who was fatally injured.
Safety reminders
- Before work begins, employers must assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards. If a hazard cannot be eliminated, it must be controlled.
- Employers 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.
- If a worker may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.
Safety resources
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 8 – Entrances, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 1: Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 21 Rigging
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry notice: 2021-15
Type: Crushed by
Incident summary
A worker was moving a 2 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
- OHS Code, Part 6 – Cranes, hoists and lifting devices
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Occupational health and safety fall protection plan
Industry 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
- Occupational health and safety fall protection plan
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
- OHS Explanation Guide: Section 266 – Other safety equipment
Industry 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
- Forklift Health and Safety Best Practices Guideline (BP015)
- Power Mobile Equipment Rollover Safety Precautions (GS012)
- Explanation Guide, Part 14 – Lifting and Handling Loads
Industry 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
- Powered Mobile Equipment Rollover Safety Precautions (GS012)
- Explanation Guide, Part 14 – Lifting and Handling Loads (LI001)
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
Industry 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
- Explanation Guide, Part 14 – Lifting and Handling Loads (LI001)
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- Securing pipe and other cargo on vehicles (GS001)
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- OHS Explanation Guide, Part 7 emergency preparedness and response (LI001)
- OHS Explanation Guide, Part 25 tools, equipment and machinery (LI001)
Industry 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
- Explanation Guide, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment (LI001)
- Powered Mobile Equipment Rollover Safety Precautions (GS012)
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- OHS Explanation Guide, Part 3 specifications and certifications (LI001)
Industry 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
- Forklift Health and Safety Best Practices Guideline (BP015)
- Powered Mobile Equipment Rollover Safety Precautions (GS012)
- Explanation Guide, Part 14 – Lifting and Handling Loads (LI001)
Mining and petroleum development
Industry notice: 2023-18
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
A worker was clearing ice from inside a pipe when a piece of ice dislodged and struck 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.
- If piping or a pipeline containing a substance under pressure is to be serviced, repaired, tested, adjusted or inspected, or if any other work is to be performed on it that requires the control of hazardous energy, an employer must ensure that no worker performs such work on the piping or pipeline until flow in the piping or pipeline has been stopped or regulated to a safe level and the location at which the work is to be carried out is isolated and secured.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 15 – Managing the Control of Hazardous Energy
Industry notice: 2023-16
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
A worker was attempting to free a pumpjack rod from the ground using a large pipe wrench. While under tension, the pipe wrench apparently released suddenly, 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 a worker may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 12 – General Safety Precautions
Industry notice: 2023-14
Type: Drowning
Incident summary
A worker went to collect samples from a water pit that had a rubber liner. The worker slipped into the pit 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 ensure that a worker uses footwear that is appropriate to the hazards associated with the work being performed at the work site.
- If there is a foreseeable danger that a worker could be exposed to the hazard of drowning, an employer must ensure the worker wears a life jacket.
Safety resources
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Occupational health and safety working alone requirements
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Driving for Work: Developing Safe Practices for Employers and Workers
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 15 – Managing and control of hazardous energy
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Powered mobile equipment rollover safety precautions
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code: Part 18 – Personal protective equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS explanation guide: Part 15 – Managing the control of hazardous energy
Industry 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
- Explanation Guide, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment
- Powered Mobile Equipment Rollover Safety Precautions (GS012)
- Hazard Assessment and Control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
Mobile equipment operation
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
- OHS Explanation Guide: Table 25.4 – Hierarchy of safeguarding controls
Provincial and municipal government, education and health services
Industry notice: 2024-19
Type: Assault
Incident summary
A worker was working in a rural area when two members of the public attempted to take the worker’s vehicle. The worker was shot and sustained serious injuries. A worker from another employer who stopped to help the injured worker was fatally shot.
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, for any worker working alone, provide an effective communication system consisting of:
  1. radio communication,
  2. landline or cellular telephone communication, or
  3. some other effective means of electronic communication
    that includes regular contact by the employer or designate at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard associated with the worker’s work.
- An employer must develop and implement a violence and harassment prevention plan.
Safety resources
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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Domestic violence in the workplace
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Driving for work: Developing safe practices for employers and workers
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
Industry 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
Industry notice: 2023-20
Type: Crushed by
Incident summary
A worker attempted to retrieve a tool they had dropped in the tank of an oilfield tanker truck. The worker placed a ladder inside the tank and climbed in. The worker never emerged from the tank and was later found deceased in the 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.
- If a worker will enter a confined space or a restricted space to work, an employer must appoint a competent person to:
  - identify and assess the hazards the worker is likely to be exposed to while in the confined space or restricted space,
  - specify the type and frequency of inspections and tests necessary to determine the likelihood of worker exposure to any of the identified hazards,
  - perform the inspections and tests specified,
  - specify the safety and personal protective equipment required to perform the work, and
  - identify the personal protective equipment and emergency equipment to be used by a worker who undertakes rescue operations in the event of an accident or other emergency.
- Before a worker enters a confined space, an employer must ensure that the atmosphere in the confined space is tested by a competent worker to:
  - verify that the oxygen content is between 19.5% and 23% by volume, and
  - identify the amount of toxic, flammable or explosive substance that may be present.
Safety resources
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code Part 22 - Safeguards
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- Hazard assessment and control - webinar
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: A handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 14 – Lifting and Handling Loads
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Section 450 – Methods of protection
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Trucking Service - General
Industry 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
Industry notice: 2024-05
Type: Crushed by
Incident summary
A worker was servicing a wheel loader that was elevated on wooden blocks. The worker was underneath the wheel loader when it fell off the wooden blocks, resulting in 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 may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.
- A worker must not be under a suspended load unless the load is supported by:
  - a vehicle hoist designed for that purpose, or
  - stands or blocks, other than jacks, that are designed, constructed and maintained to support the load and placed on firm foundations.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-02
Type: Crushed by
Incident summary
A worker towing an RV trailer with a tractor was driving down a sloped gravel road when the vehicles jack-knifed, pinning the worker between the trailer and the tractor. 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 used, erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, handled, stored, serviced, tested, adjusted, calibrated, maintained, repaired, destroyed, dismantled and subjected to any other work in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Safety resources
Industry notice: 2024-01
Type: Crushed by
Incident summary
A worker who was finishing an inspection on a charter bus was pinned beneath it while attempting to remove jack stands that were holding up the vehicle. Although co-workers tried to remove the worker from under the bus, 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 a worker may be injured if equipment or material is dislodged, moved, spilled or damaged, both the employer and the worker must take all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger.
- A worker must not be under a suspended load unless the load is supported by:
  - a vehicle hoist designed for that purpose, or
  - stands or blocks, other than jacks, that are designed, constructed and maintained to support the load and placed on firm foundations.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 6 – Cranes, Hoists and Lifting Devices
Industry notice: 2023-15
Type: Struck by
Incident summary
Co-workers discovered a colleague who appeared disoriented from a head injury. EMS was called to the site to assess the injured worker. Although EMS eventually released the worker, the worker was found deceased in their home 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 to injury to a worker’s head at a work site and there is significant possibility of lateral impact to the head, an employer must ensure that the worker wears protective headwear that is appropriate for the hazards.
Safety resources
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code, Part 18 – Personal Protective Equipment
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Code: Part 19 – Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers
- OHS Explanation Guide: Part 19 - Powered mobile equipment
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- Explanation guide: Part 14 – Lifting and handling loads
Industry 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
- Explanation guide, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment
- Powered Mobile Equipment Rollover Safety Precautions (GS012)
- Hazard Assessment and Control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- OHS Explanation Guide, Part 19 powered mobile equipment (LI001)
- OHS Explanation Guide, Part 3 specifications and certifications (LI001)
Industry 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
- Hazard Assessment and Control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers (BP018)
- Explanation Guide, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment (LI001)

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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