Table of contents

Overview

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

  • Agriculture and forestry

    Incident Notice: 2023-06

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-22

    Type: Motor Vehicle Collision

    Incident Summary

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

    Safety Reminders

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

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-01

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-27

    Type: Caught in

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-18

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-12

    Type: Struck by equipment

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-19

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-05

    Type: Struck by

    Incident Summary

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

    Safety Reminders

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

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice 2017-11

    Type: Crush / Fatality

    Incident Summary

    A worker was operating the conveyor of a hay compression and baling machine. They were fatally crushed between the moving horizontal cylinder rod and the stationary end stop assembly.

    Safety Reminders

    • If a worker may, accidentally or through a work process, come into contact with the moving parts of machinery or equipment, the employer must ensure that adequate safeguards are provided.
    • Ensure all equipment used at a work site is maintained in a condition that will not compromise the health or safety of workers using it.
    • Employers are responsible to ensure that operators of equipment are competent (adequately qualified, suitably trained and with sufficient experience to safely perform the work with minimal or no supervision) to operate the equipment.
    • Ensure that a hazard assessment is conducted at the work site before work begins to identify existing and potential hazards.

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice 2017-12

    Type: Crush / Fatality

    Incident Summary

    A worker was loading cattle into a stock trailer at a feedlot operation when one of the animals turned and tried to escape the trailer. The worker was pinned against a gate and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders

    • Be familiar with safe work procedures for equipment and loading/unloading of livestock.
    • Ensure adequate escape routes/plans in place if worker may need to remove themselves from sudden danger.

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice 2017-27

    Type: Struck by Object / Fatality

    Incident Summary

    A worker was loading logs onto a truck using a grapple hook assembly. One log slipped out and struck the worker, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders

    • Secure loads so that they cannot shift and become a danger to workers.
    • As part of hazard assessment, employers and workers should assess potential line of fire from hazards, and workers must not place themselves in the line of fire while performing their duties.

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice 2016-06

    Type: Struck / Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    A worker lost control of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) the worker was operating and was ejected from the unit, striking the workers head resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and use control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Ensure the use of helmets when operating ATVs.
    • Ensure emergency response plans are established.
    • Prior to operating any equipment, ensure the operator reads and understands the operators' manual.
    • Ensure the operator read and follow the manufacturer's recommended safety procedures including wearing protective head gear.
    • Ensure equipment is maintained to perform the function for which it was designed or intended.

    Safety Resources:

    • Explanation Guide, Section 236 All-terrain vehicles, snow vehicles, motorcycles
    • Explanation Guide, Part 19 powered mobile equipment
    • Explanation Guide, Part 7 Emergency preparedness and response

    Incident Notice 2016-16

    Type: Crush / Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    A worker was in the process of transferring a load of oats from the grain truck into a silo when the worker was pinned between the frame and the box of the truck. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the 'line of fire' of potential hazardous energy.
    • If working alone, ensure a working alone policy is in place and followed by workers.
    • Work areas around powered mobile equipment must be checked for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment at any time.

    Safety Resources:

    Incident Notice 2016-18

    Type: Struck by Equipment / Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    A worker was in the process of priming a diesel-powered water transfer pump when the hose detached under pressure, striking the worker and causing fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the ‘line of fire’ of potential hazardous energy.
    • Ensure equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety Resources:

    Incident Notice 2016-19

    Type: Fall / Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    Work was being conducted in an underground drainage tunnel. A worker was injured when the conveyor equipment moved, pinning the worker between the equipment and the wall of the tunnel resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Ensure safeguards are provided if a worker may accidentally, or through the work process, come into contact with moving parts of equipment.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the ‘line of fire’ of potential hazardous energy.
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Ensure that all safety and lock out devices are engaged.

    Safety Resources:

    Incident Notice 2015-12

    Type: Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    Two workers were using a boom-supported aerial device to perform maintenance on a large tank which contained corrosive liquid. During the work process, the tire of the boom-supported aerial device contacted a pipe associated with the tank causing a release of the corrosive liquid. The workers were exposed which resulted in one worker’s death.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins
    • Consider using spotters when using mobile equipment around high hazard areas
    • Ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operating according to manufacturer specifications

    Safety Resources:

    Incident Notice 2014-06

    Type: Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    A worker was working alone, falling trees. The worker partially cut a tree near the base, and then climbed the tree to cut off the top. While the worker was near the tree top, the tree shifted, broke at the partial cut, and fell. The worker sustained fatal injuries in the fall to the ground.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Develop a Working Alone policy.
    • Develop safe work procedures for falling trees.
    • Utilize appropriate cutting methods, including correct notch and undercut methods.

    Safety Resources:

    Incident Notice 2014-32

    Type: Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    A worker was securing equipment to a flatbed trailer, while another worker was operating a feller-buncher harvesting timber nearby. A piece of tree debris from the harvesting operation struck the worker securing equipment, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Assess and control hazards associated with tree felling operations
    • Ensure workers are not within range of a powered mobile equipment and at a distance of not less than twice the height of the tallest tree away from the immediate area in which felling is taking place
    • If a self-propelled mechanized feller is operating, ensure workers remain at least the minimum distance prescribed by the manufacturer of the feller away from the immediate area in which felling is taking place

    Safety Resources:

  • Business and professional services

    Incident Notice: 2022-14

    Type: Struck by

    Incident Summary

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

    Safety Reminders

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

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-13

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-02

    Type: Drowning

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-17

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-08

    Type: Assault

    Incident Summary

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

    Safety Reminders

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

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice 2018-13

    Type: Crushed

    Incident Summary

    A building cleaner was required to use a ride-on auto scrubber to sweep an underground parkade. The worker retrieved the equipment from the street level parking lot and descended a ramp. A second worker opened the parkade entrance with a security card, and the ride-on auto scrubber began to enter the parkade. As the ride-on auto scrubber reached the entrance way, the door lowered, striking the worker operating the auto-scrubber in the chest and pinning the worker, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders

    • Properly train workers in the safe use and operation of equipment.
    • Employers are responsible for ensuring operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate powered mobile equipment.
    • Operate equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety Resources

    • Explanation guide, Part 3 – Specifications and Certifications
    • Explanation guide, Part 4, Section 26 – Codes of Practice
    • Explanation guide, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment

    Incident Notice 2017-03

    Type: Fall / Fatality

    Incident Summary

    While working from an extension ladder to clean glass in a commercial building, a worker lost their balance and fell from a height of less than 3 metres onto the ground below. The worker died from injuries sustained in the fall.

    Safety Reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • Minimize work performed from a ladder.
    • Workers should be reminded to keep their centre of balance at the centre of a ladder at all times.
    • Maintain a three-point contact whenever a worker extends an arm beyond a side rail when working above the ground.

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice 2016-07

    Type: Struck by Object / Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    A worker was welding on a wheel assembly (tire and rim) to repair a leak, when the tire came off the rim and struck the worker causing fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and use control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the 'line of fire' of potential hazardous energy.
    • If working alone, ensure a working alone policy is in place and followed by workers.
    • Ensure emergency response plans are established.

    Safety Resources:

    Incident Notice 2014-13

    Type: Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    Two workers were in the process of changing the brakes on a company vehicle when the vehicle tipped to one side and fell off the jacks the vehicle was on. One worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Use appropriate equipment for tasks.
    • Immobilize equipment to prevent accidental movement.
    • Only engage in work that you are trained and required to perform.

    Safety Resources:

    Incident Notice 2014-14

    Type: Fatality

    Incident Summary:

    A worker was doing maintenance work underneath a commercial vehicle when the vehicle rolled back, trapping the worker and causing fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Equipment must be secured against unintentional movement.
    • Always assess the existing and potential hazards asses at the work site.
    • Identified hazards are controlled and eliminated.
    • Workers affected by the hazards are informed of the hazards and methods used to control or eliminate them.

    Safety Resources:

  • Construction and construction trades

    Industry Notice: 2023-11

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

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

    Industry Notice: 2023-09

    Type: Crush/Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

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

    Industry Notice: 2023-08

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

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

    Incident Notice: 2023-07

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-27

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-25

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-21

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-20

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-19

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources                          

    Incident Notice: 2022-18

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-15

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-12

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-07

    Type: Entangled

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-28

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-26

    Type: Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources


    Incident Notice: 2021-23

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-20

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-19

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-17

    Type: Electrocution

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-16

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-13

    Type: Caught in equipment

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-11

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-08

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-06

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-20

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-18

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-16

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-14

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-13

    Type: Asphyxiation/Crushed

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-11

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-10

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-04

    Type: Electrocuted

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-23

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-20

    Type: Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-18

    Type: Struck

    Incident summary

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

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-02

    Type: Struck by object

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-03

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-06

    Type: Drowning

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-07

    Type: Struck

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-08

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-16

    Type: Pinned

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-06

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was in an elevated scissor lift replacing lights near multiple overhead cranes that were in operation. The scissor lift fell over, and the worker received fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the ‘line of fire’ of potentially hazardous energy.
    • Engage all safety and lock out devices.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-14

    Type: Crushed/Struck by object

    Incident summary

    An operator and a worker were manoeuvring a broken excavator into a space in the yard using another excavator. Once the broken excavator was in place, the worker began to unhook the chains between both pieces of equipment. The operator of the working excavator moved the controls for the bucket before the worker was clear and struck the worker, knocking him to the ground. The broken excavator was inadvertently pulled backwards and ran over the fallen worker as it moved. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Properly train workers in the safe use and operation of equipment.
    • Employers are responsible for ensuring operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate powered mobile equipment.
    • Ground workers must maintain line-of-sight communication with workers operating powered mobile equipment.
    • Alert workers to any proposed movement of powered mobile equipment to ensure that they are out of the danger areas posed by the equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-15

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was walking on top of a load of pipe that was stacked on a trailer and attached to a sling. The worker lost their footing and fell a distance of 2.4 m, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins and either eliminate or control the hazards.
    • Ensure workers know the safe work procedures for loading and unloading materials.
    • Employer must ensure workers can access work areas in a safe manner.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-18

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    Workers were painting a convex roof of a commercial building when one of the workers fell from the gable end. The worker contacted one phase of a 13.8 kV line at, or before, the time of the fall. The worker fell approximately 10 m to the ground level pavement. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify all existing or potential hazards.
    • Workers working above a vertical distance of 3 m require a fall protection system.
    • Review the fall protection plan to ensure appropriate equipment is selected.
    • The employer must ensure workers use the appropriate fall protection equipment until it is safe to remove.
    • An employer must ensure that the safe limit of approach is determined for overhead power lines and that no work is done at distances less than the established safe limit of approach distance.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-21

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    A worker who had been sandblasting was found pinned beneath a structural steel frame, weighing approximately 399 kg, which had been brought into the sandblasting area for sandblasting. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify all existing and potential hazards at the work site and implement appropriate control measures for those identified hazards.
    • Secure material so it cannot shift and become a danger to workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-23

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker fell approximately 7.3 m from the roof of a two-storey residential site under construction. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • An employer and a supervisor, or self-employed person, must ensure that a worker is protected from falling if working 3 m or higher.
    • Unless workers are protected by a guardrail system, the employer must develop a fall protection plan specific to the work site.
    • The employer must ensure workers use the appropriate fall protection equipment until it is safe to remove.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-01

    Type: MVA/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A snowplow was clearing snow on the highway when it was involved in a rollover resulting in an operator fatality.

    Safety reminders

    • There were three fatalities involving contact with objects in 2017.
    • 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.
    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins in winter weather conditions.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-04

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was standing on the hood of a tractor removing a piece of equipment. The worker fell less than 3 metres to the concrete floor below and sustained a fatal head injury.

    Safety reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins and minimize or control hazards associated with work performed at heights.
    • Employers must ensure workers can access work areas in a safe manner.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-05

    Type: Crush/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was removing concrete debris from a driveway and sidewalk when an adjacent concrete wall fell onto the worker causing serious injuries. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Re-assess hazards as work progresses, or conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that temporary supporting structures are used to stabilize a masonry wall.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-08

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker fell from the roof of a four-story condominium that was under construction. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • The employer, supervisor or self-employed person must ensure workers use the appropriate fall protection equipment until it is safe to remove and must prepare a fall protection plan.
    • Workers working above a vertical distance of 3 metres require a fall protection system.
    • Employers and workers to review fall protection plans to ensure appropriate equipment is selected.
    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-13

    Type: Struck by object/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A backhoe operator was positioning concrete road barriers with two workers assisting. The assisting workers positioned one road barrier. While in the process of moving a second road barrier, the backhoe was struck by a passing vehicle. The backhoe reversed direction striking one of the workers, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers. Ensure that all affected workers are aware of the dangers of traffic in the area.
    • Ensure workers use tag lines when moving suspended loads to remove them from the line of fire of the load and the powered mobile equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-15

    Type: Crush/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was using a skid steer to spread gravel. The worker stuck their head out the left window while reversing, and activated the skid steer bucket arms to go up. The left bucket arm contacted the worker causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Consider using spotters when using mobile equipment around areas where view may be obstructed.
    • Ensure safeguards that provide protection to a worker are not removed or modified from power mobile equipment.
    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-16

    Type: Struck by object/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was removing blown down trees on a trail. The worker was manually falling and bucking up fallen trees using a chainsaw. During the cutting of a partially fallen tree, the worker was struck in the head, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Workers must be familiar with and trained in the safe work procedures for their assigned work.
    • Employers are responsible to ensure workers wear personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the hazard and protects the workers.
    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins including assessment of work location (distance estimation of falling debris, wind direction, etc.).

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-17

    Type: Medical episode/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was placing air sampling equipment in an abatement containment where walnut shells were used as the blast media. When the worker left the containment, the worker collapsed, was taken to hospital and later passed away.

    Safety reminders

    • The employer must ensure that workers are informed of any potential hazards that may exist including any additional work occurring within the vicinity.
    • Employers are responsible to ensure workers wear personal protective equipment that is correct for the hazard and protects the workers.
    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins including discussion of specific work tasks.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-19

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker climbed off an elevated work platform on to the roof trusses during barn construction. The worker fell and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • The employer, supervisor or self-employed person must ensure workers use the appropriate fall protection equipment until it is safe to remove and must prepare a fall protection plan.
    • Workers working above a vertical distance of three metres require a fall protection system.
    • Employers and workers to review fall protection plans to ensure appropriate equipment is selected.
    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-21

    Type: Crush/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was surveying a trench when a wall collapsed, burying the worker and causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • If workers must access a trench, ensure walls are secured by shoring, engineered stabilization methods, or cut back to protect the workers from soil cave-ins.
    • For trenches that are more than 1.5 metres deep, ensure that workers have a safe point of entry and exit that is not more than eight metres away.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-22

    Type: Crush/Fatality

    Incident summary

    While driving a paver on a gravel road, the worker fell from the operator control station located at the rear of the paver. The worker was run over by the paver, suffering fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Employers are responsible to ensure that operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate powered mobile equipment.
    • Ensure workers are properly trained in the safe use and operation of equipment.
    • A person must not leave the controls of powered mobile equipment unattended unless it is secured.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-23

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident Summary

    A worker fell while framing a building and sustained a fatal head injury. The worker was wearing a fall protection harness but it had not been secured to an anchor point.

    Safety reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • The employer, supervisor or self-employed person must ensure workers use the appropriate fall protection equipment until it is safe to remove and must prepare a fall protection plan.
    • Workers working above a vertical distance of 3 metres require a fall protection system.
    • Employers and workers to review fall protection plans to ensure appropriate equipment is selected.
    • Ensure equipment is used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-24

    Type: Crush/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was helping excavate a damaged utility line. The excavation wall sloughed off, partially engulfing the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • If workers must access an excavation, ensure walls are secured by shoring, engineered stabilization methods, or cut back to protect the workers from soil cave-ins.
    • For trenches that are more than 1.5 metres deep, ensure that workers have a safe point of entering and exiting that is not more than eight metres away.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-26

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker opened the top hatch of a sandblasting hopper, releasing trapped pressure in the hopper. The worker fell from the equipment, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the path of potentially hazardous energy.
    • Assess and isolate all hazardous energy sources before machinery or equipment is operated, serviced or repaired.
    • Follow manufacturer’s specifications for the operation, inspection and use of the equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-03

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was near the edge of a flat roof preparing to lower equipment and material to the ground. The worker fell approximately 10 metres resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • If a control zone is feasible to protect workers on a flat roof, ensure the control zone distance is clearly identifiable to workers by a raised warning system.
    • Guardrails are the best protection but if they cannot be used, develop a fall protection plan when a worker may fall three metres or more.
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and use the control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-04

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was welding a new petroleum storage tank. The worker fell approximately 18 metres from the scaffold, resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Review fall protection plans to ensure appropriate equipment is selected.
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Ensure workers are familiar with site emergency response plans.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-05

    Type: Struck by object/Fatality

    Incident summary

    Workers were replacing a waterline in an excavation. The bucket detached from the hydraulic excavator striking the worker in the excavation resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Employers are responsible to ensure that operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate powered mobile equipment.
    • Ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operating according to manufacturer’s specifications.
    • Work areas around powered mobile equipment must be checked for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment at any time.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-08

    Type: Crush/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A tower crane crew were dismantling a tower crane with the assistance of a mobile crane rental company. While attempting to remove the apex section of the tower crane, the suspended apex swung from its mounting position and struck and crushed a worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-10

    Type: Exposure/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A security guard was working the night shift monitoring video surveillance of the building from an office location. Worker was found the next morning in the security office deceased due to carbon monoxide exposure.

    Safety reminders

    • 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.
    • Follow the equipment manufacturer’s service and maintenance instructions.
    • Ensure engineering control mechanisms are fully operational and maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-11

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident summary

    Worker fell approximately 7.6 metres from a scaffold, sustaining fatal head and neck injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Workers working above a vertical distance of 3 metres require a fall protection system where guardrails cannot be used.
    • Review fall protection plans to ensure appropriate equipment is selected.
    • Assemble scaffold in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-14

    Type: Crush/Fatality (2 workers)

    Incident summary

    During a road construction project, a piece of heavy equipment rolled over and fatally injured two workers.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Consider the speed of the moving vehicles and the duties and work location of workers relative to vehicles and powered mobile equipment.
    • Ensure powered mobile equipment is maintained and operating according to manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-20

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was installing siding on a new residential construction project. The worker fell four metres from a pump jack scaffold resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Workers working above a vertical distance of three metres require a fall protection system.
    • Review fall protection plans to ensure appropriate equipment is selected.
    • Ensure equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-02

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A truck driver was attempting to unload the contents of their dump truck. While the box of the dump truck was elevated, the operator was positioned at the tailgate. The gate inadvertently opened and the contents buried the truck driver. Co-workers uncovered the unresponsive operator, administered first aid and called 911. The truck driver was taken to hospital and succumbed to injuries a few days later.

    Safety reminders

    • Workers must not place themselves in the ‘Line of Fire’ of potential hazardous energy
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards
    • Be familiar with safe work procedures for equipment and unloading materials
    • Ensure workers are familiar with site emergency response plans

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-03

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was in a 4.27 metre deep trench completing a sewer line hook up when the wall of the trench collapsed burying the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • If workers must access an excavation, ensure walls are secured by shoring, engineered stabilization methods, or cut back to protect the workers from soil cave-ins
    • Ensure the leading edge of any spoil piles are at least 1 metre away from the edge of the excavation
    • For trenches that are more than 1.5 metres deep, ensure that workers have a safe point of entering and exiting that is not more than 8 metres away

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-04

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    Using an overhead crane a worker suspended a heavy load using rigging attached to the load’s lifting lug. The worker positioned their body under the suspended load to perform maintenance work. The lifting lug failed, causing the load to fall, striking the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Ensure equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specifications
    • 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
    • Whenever possible, perform maintenance work without suspending the equipment
    • Thoroughly inspect rigging prior to use

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-07

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A welder was performing welding activities on the roof of a building under construction. During the course of the worker's duties, the welder removed his fall protection equipment. Shortly thereafter the worker fell from the roof top sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Workers working above a vertical distance of 3 metres require a fall protection system.
    • Develop a fall protection plan when a worker may fall 3 metres or more, if not protected by guardrails.
    • If a control zone is feasible to protect workers on a flat roof, ensure the control zone distance is clearly identifiable to workers by a raised warning system.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-08

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was cutting a precast concrete cylinder using a portable gas-powered saw. The precast concrete cylinder was positioned near the counterweight of an excavator. The operator of the excavator rotated inadvertently pinching the worker against the concrete cylinder. The worker sustained significant injuries and died on scene.

    Safety reminders

    • Work areas around powered mobile equipment must be checked for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment at any time
    • 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
    • Employers are responsible to ensure that operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate powered mobile equipment

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-11

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    An installation worker was installing a permanent guardrail system on an operating tower unit. During the construction process, a component of the workers personal fall protection system became entangled in the tower unit’s moving machinery. The worker was pulled into the moving machinery. The worker died from the injuries sustained.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess all hazardous energy sources before machinery or equipment is serviced or repaired
    • Ensure that all safety and lock out devices are engaged
    • Follow equipment manufacturers service and maintenance instructions

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-07

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    Two mobile equipment operators were operating track hoe excavators on a berm of material that was sitting on a sheet of ice. One of the excavators broke through the ice and sank into the water below with the operator inside. The operator did not survive.

    Safety reminders

    • Carefully assess all existing and potential hazards.
    • Follow established best practices for working on ice.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-09

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    Workers were troubleshooting an electrical distribution system to determine the location of a ground fault. In doing so, the workers removed transformer cover panels. During testing, one of the workers made contact with an energized component and was fatally electrocuted.

    Safety reminders for industry

    • Ensure proper lock out/tag out procedures are implemented and followed
    • Maintain communication to all workers involved in a task
    • Eliminate access to exposed energized parts
    • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the task

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-20

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    Two workers were working on a recently installed ventilation system. One worker was examining the ventilation system on the roof. During the examination, the ventilation unit fell onto the worker causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Equipment is restrained or protected from being dislodged or moved to eliminate the potential danger to workers.
    • Before the work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards
    • Identified potential or existing hazards are eliminated or controlled.
    • Ventilation systems must be designed, installed and maintained with established engineering principles.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-24

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker, while working alone, was using a vertical fixed ladder to access a second story roof to service a heating unit. The worker was later found deceased on the ground near the base of the ladder.

    Safety reminders

    • Fixed ladders installed on or after April 30, 2004 meet the requirements of the PIP Standard STF5501, Fixed Ladders and Cages (Feb. 2002), published by the Construction Industry Institute
    • Effective communication systems are in place for working alone which include regular contact at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-26

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    Two workers (one a temporary worker from a staffing agency) were removing a section of cinderblock wall to install a bay door. The workers removed two vertical columns of cinderblocks and a row of blocks near the perimeter of the door opening, leaving a free-standing 3m x 4m section of wall reinforced with rebar. The workers cut the rebar supports near the base of the wall section. While one worker was cleaning up block debris, the wall collapsed onto the worker causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Workers are aware of existing and potential hazards related to cinderblock wall demolition.
    • A competent worker designated by the employer is in charge of the demolition work at all times while work is in progress.
    • A wall or other part of the building or structure is not left unstable or in danger of collapsing unintentionally.
    • A professional engineer is consulted if demolition activities affect the structural integrity of a building.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-27

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary:

    A worker was positioned on a ladder to install a fire proofing devices at new retail site. When a co-worker returned to the work area, the worker was discovered on the ground with serious injuries. Worker died in hospital with injuries sustained by falling.

    Safety Reminders:

    • Approximately 15% of workplace fatalities in Alberta are the result of falls.
    • A workers center of balance is at the centre of the ladder at all times.
    • Three-point contact is maintained whenever the worker extends an arm beyond a side rail.
    • Portable ladders are secured against movement and are placed on a stable base.

    Safety Resources:

    Incident Notice 2014-28

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    Workers were using an excavator and a bulldozer to move large concrete blocks. While the bulldozer operator was securing a concrete block onto the ripper of the bulldozer, the excavator operator reversed the excavator towards the bulldozer. A track on the excavator hit the edge of the concrete block, pushing it towards the back end of bulldozer. The bulldozer operator was fatality crushed between the concrete block and the bulldozer.

    Safety reminders

    • Use a designated signal person or spotter
    • If a powered mobile equipment operator’s view of the equipment’s path of travel is obstructed, the powered mobile equipment has a warning device, automatic system, or method appropriate to the hazards of the work site to protect other workers from injury
    • Ensure workers are not within range of a moving load or powered mobile equipment
    • Effective communication is established and maintained between workers

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-29

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was maintaining the hydraulics on a skid steer machine while the lift arms and bucket attachment were suspended. Hydraulic pressure was released, causing the lift arms and bucket attachment to fall. The worker was pinned between one of the lift arms and the frame of the skid steer, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Manage all hazardous energy before machinery or equipment is serviced or repaired
    • Ensure that all safety and lock out devices are engaged
    • Follow equipment manufacturer service and maintenance instructions
    • Elevated parts being maintained are blocked or lowered to prevent accidental movement

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-30

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was shovelling snow off a tin roof of a 2 story commercial building. The roof had a slight grade to it and when the worker neared an unguarded edge, the worker slipped and fell approximately 8.2 metres to the ground. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Workers are protected from falling from temporary or permanent work areas when the vertical fall distance is 3 metres or more
    • Develop a fall protection plan when a worker may fall 3 metres or more and they are not protected by guardrails
    • Ensure workers are aware of potential hazards relating to roof grade and slippery surfaces

    Safety resources

  • Manufacturing, packaging and processing

    Incident Notice: 2023-04

    Type: Burns

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2023-01

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident Summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-26

    Type: Explosion

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-09

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-08

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-06

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-21

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-15

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-09

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-07

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-06

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-01

    Type: Struck by object

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-11

    Type: Struck

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-13

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-14

    Type: Entangled

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-15

    Type: Pinned

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-17

    Type: Struck

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-11

    Type: Struck by Object

    Incident summary

    A skid steer operator was unloading a pallet of scrap metal from a flat deck trailer and bringing it into the yard. The operator was travelling with the load up high and hit a bump or dip in the road, causing the skid steer to tip forward and eject the operator. The skid steer rocked back and forth, striking the operator and causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Properly train workers in the safe use and operation of equipment.
    • Employers must ensure operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate powered mobile equipment.
    • Powered mobile equipment operators must use the seat belts and other safety features of the equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-17

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    The worker was observed completing a regular task of filling the hopper using a drum dumper. A couple of hours later the worker was discovered pinned between the mesh guard and the hydraulic component of the drum dumper. The worker had suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • If working alone, ensure an effective communication system is in place that includes the employer making regular contact with the lone worker.
    • Provide adequate safeguards if a worker may, accidentally or through a work process, contact the moving parts of machinery or equipment.
    • Maintain equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-20

    Type: Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

    Three workers were found unresponsive in a cryogenic cooler at a work site that uses nitrogen in the cryogenic process. All three workers were pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify all existing and potential hazards at the worksite and implement the appropriate control measures for those identified hazards, including the use of appropriate gas monitoring equipment and appropriate respiratory protective equipment.
    • Install and maintain equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-24

    Type: Explosion

    Incident summary

    A worker was using a grinder when sparks ignited an explosive atmosphere causing an explosion and fire. One worker suffered fatal injuries, and two other workers were injured in the explosion.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify all existing and potential hazards at the worksite and implement the appropriate control measures for those identified hazards.
    • An employer must ensure that hot work does not start unless there is a hot work permit that indicates: the nature of the hazard, the type and frequency of atmospheric testing, and the safe work procedures and precautionary measures required.
    • Install and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-06

    Type: Struck by object/Fatality

    Incident summary

    Workers were underneath a lumber stacker troubleshooting the hydraulics. As a worker was manually operating the hoist cylinder, the anchor pin on the hoisting system failed, releasing the hoisting chain. The chain struck another worker and the worker died from their injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • In Alberta in 2017, approximately 5,735 disabling injuries occurred by being struck in workplaces.
    • As part of hazard assessment, employers and workers should assess potential line of fire from equipment, and workers must not place themselves in the line of fire while performing their duties.
    • Employers and workers should ensure equipment is maintained and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications as part of hazard assessments.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-20

    Type: Struck by equipment/Fatality

    Incident summary

    Two workers were building a chain link fence. While using a compact track loader, the worker working on the ground was struck by the bucket and 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 including regular communication and feedback.
    • At any time, work areas around powered mobile equipment must be checked for any potential dangers to workers before moving equipment (for example, visual inspections).
    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-25

    Type: Crush/Fatality

    Incident summary

    Two workers were using a gantry crane to move precast concrete slabs in the storage yard. After being placed on racks and unhooked from the crane, one slab tipped over and pinned a worker against a second slab causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Workers must not place themselves in the path of potentially hazardous energy.
    • 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 including regular communication and feedback.
    • The employer must ensure that racks used to store materials or equipment are placed on firm foundations that can support the loads.
    • Ensure equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-02

    Type: Fall/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker accessed the top of a vessel with a scissor lift; unclipped the harness and stepped out of the lift onto the vessel. The worker fell off the vessel 5.7 metres to the concrete floor sustaining critical injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-12

    Type: Buried/Fatality

    Incident summary

    Three workers were buried beneath ground phosphate rock while trying to dislodge large rocks over a grate that feeds a chute onto an underground conveyor. One worker was fully buried, the other two workers were able to pull free and attempts were made to free the buried worker. The buried worker succumbed to their injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Be familiar with safe work procedures for equipment and unloading materials.
    • Ensure the leading edge of any spoil piles are at least 1 metre away from the edge of the excavation.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-03

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was preparing to fill compressed breathing air cylinders at the designated cylinder filling area. A second worker was using a skid steer loader to transport the empty cylinders to the filling area. While reversing the skid steer loader near the cylinder filling area, the loader operator struck and drove over other worker causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Use a designated signal person or spotter
    • Visually inspect the area into which the equipment will move
    • Identify restricted access to areas around powered mobile equipment
    • Ensure powered mobile equipment has an adequate warning device where an operator’s view of the travel path is not clear
    • When possible use designated walkways that separate pedestrian traffic from areas where powered mobile equipment is operating

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-04

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker who was performing clean up duties walked outside into the sawmill yard. At the same time, a second worker was in the sawmill yard driving a front-end loader in reverse. The worker was struck by the front-end loader and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • When possible use designated walkways that separate pedestrian traffic from areas where powered mobile equipment is operating.
    • Develop safe work procedures for pedestrians in traffic areas.
    • Pedestrian workers in traffic areas wear high visibility vests.
    • Assess and control all existing and potential hazards associated with pedestrians and powered mobile equipment traffic areas.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-15

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A young worker was clearing gravel material with a shovel near the tail pulley area of a gravel crusher assembly when the worker got caught near the rotating conveyor shaft. The worker was pulled towards the conveyor, into the assembly and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Ensure ample training time and supervision for young and new workers
    • Assess hazards of rotating equipment or moving parts and implement controls to prevent workers from coming into contact with hazardous rotating equipment
    • Ensure proper guarding and safety switches are installed on machinery where required

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-17

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was manually loading solid steel rod onto an outdoor cantilever steel storage rack. The rack collapsed onto the worker, causing crushing and impaling injuries. The worker passed away due to injuries the next day.

    Safety reminders

    • Assemble, install, maintain storage racking (pallet, cantilever, push-back, drive-in, deep-reach, portable, etc.) according to manufacturer’s specifications
    • Refer to storage rack manufacturers for user manuals, design guides, installation instructions, specifications, load charts, and product safety information
    • Do not cut, weld, or modify storage racks unless authorized by the manufacturer or a professionally certified engineer
    • Inspect storage racking for signs of damage

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-18

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    Workers were using a fork lift to move a grader cab enclosure. While the forklift was in operation, one of the workers was walking alongside the moving load. The grader cab enclosure fell off the forklift and landed on the worker causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Secure equipment and materials before lifting, moving or transporting.
    • Use appropriate equipment for lifting, lowering, pulling, carrying, handling or transporting heavy or awkward loads.
    • Identify and control existing and potential hazards before work begins.
    • Workers are not to be permitted within range of a moving load or any other part of powered mobile equipment if there is a danger to workers.
    • Operators of powered mobile equipment must not move a load or the equipment if a worker is exposed to the danger.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-21

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    In an attempt to remove a blockage from a pipe system, workers were adding steam and water into the blocked line. A worker was later draining the pipe system when a sudden surge of water and steam was released onto the worker causing serious burns. The worker later died from the injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Ensure that all sources of hazardous energy release have been identified, isolated and secured.
    • Assess hazards when work site conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • When a piping system containing a harmful substance under pressure is being serviced, work is not performed until the flow in the piping has been stopped or regulated to a safe level and the location where the work is carried out is isolated and secured.

    Safety resources

  • Mining and petroleum development

    Incident Notice: 2022-05

    Type: Unknown

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-04

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-02

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-25

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-14

    Type: Explosion

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-10

    Type: Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-04

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-02

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-04

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-01

    Type: H2S Exposure

    Incident summary

    The worker was found unresponsive at an oil battery where an injection valve was open with gas escaping. The battery is a sour gas site and the operator had been working alone.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify all existing and potential hazards at the worksite and implement the appropriate control measures for those identified hazards, including the use of appropriate gas monitoring equipment and appropriate respiratory protective equipment.
    • If a worker is working alone, ensure there is an effective and regular communication system between the worker and the employer or their designate.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-02

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

    A worker climbed inside an enclosed dry mineral mixing hopper to unplug the bottom auger. When another worker activated the mixer, the worker in the hopper was pinned between the agitator and the equipment’s inside wall, and suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Provide safeguards if a worker may accidentally, or through the work process, contact moving parts of equipment.
    • Assess all hazardous energy sources before servicing or repairing machinery or equipment.
    • Employers must ensure that no worker services, repairs, tests, adjusts or inspects any equipment until it has come to a complete stop and all hazardous energy is isolated by an energy-isolating device, or the equipment is rendered inoperative in a manner that prevents its accidental activation.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-08

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    Two derricks were laying on the ground side by side while being prepared for return to service. Workers were in the process of threading one of the derricks when a clinching sound was heard. At the same time the work was being stopped, the derrick moved, causing a worker to be caught between that derrick and the one adjacent to it, suffering fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the ‘line of fire’ of potential hazardous energy.
    • Secure equipment so that it cannot shift and become a danger to workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-16

    Type: Explosion

    Incident summary

    An unplanned explosion occurred in or around the separator building at a well site. Three workers were on site providing services to that site at the time of the incident. One worker succumbed to injuries sustained from the explosion, and another worker was admitted to hospital.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify all the existing and potential hazards at the worksite, and implement the appropriate control measures for those identified hazards, including the use of appropriate gas monitoring equipment.
    • Install and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
    • A person must not enter or work in a work area if the atmosphere contains more than 20% of the lower explosive limit of a substance.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-09

    Type: Struck by Object / Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was completing a pressure test on the coil tube connector. The worker was positioned over the wellhead and was hit by the test pipe, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • In Alberta in 2017, approximately 5,735 disabling injuries occurred by being struck in workplaces.
    • As part of hazard assessment, employers and workers should assess potential line of fire from equipment, and workers must not place themselves in the line of fire while performing their duties.
    • Employers and workers should ensure the assessment all hazardous energy sources before machinery or equipment is serviced or repaired as part of hazard assessment.
    • Follow equipment manufacturer's service and maintenance instructions.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-01

    Type: Explosion / Fatality (two workers)

    Incident summary

    An explosion occurred inside a compressor building at an upgrading facility. The workers were changing out valves on a compressor when the explosion occurred. Two workers were fatally injured.

    Safety reminders:

    • Assess all hazardous energy sources before machinery or equipment is serviced or repaired.
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Ensure emergency response plans are established.

    Safety resources:

    Incident Notice 2016-09

    Type: Exposure / Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker entered a vessel that was under a nitrogen purge and was using a Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (SABA). The worker went into distress immediately upon entering the vessel, resulting in a fatality.

    Safety reminders

    • A confined space means a restricted space which may become hazardous to a worker. If workers are required to enter a confined space, special precautions are required to protect them from a potentially injurious or lethal atmospheres (flammability, explosivity or toxicity), oxygen depletion or enrichment, or situations of possible entrapment.
    • Examples of confined spaces include: process vessels, tanks, silos, storage bins/units, vats, pipelines, sewers, boilers, and pits.
    • Ensure workers are familiar with the Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Code of practice.
    • Ensure respirators are properly cleaned, stored and maintained.
    • Ensure workers have been fit tested and a positive seal check with the respirator.
    • Consideration should be given to using double action locks on all air line connections.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-15

    Type: Fall / Fatality

    Incident summary

    A group of workers was digging for clay. One worker was standing on the edge of an excavation made with a track hoe, the edge collapsed and a person fell into the excavation becoming partially buried. Two other workers entered the excavation to try and recover the partially buried person when a second collapse occurred. The first worker to fall was completely buried resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • If workers must access an excavation, ensure walls are secured by shoring, engineered stabilization methods, or cut back to protect the workers from soil cave-ins.
    • For trenches that are more than 1.5 metres deep, ensure that workers have a safe point of entering and exiting that is not more than 8 metres away.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-17

    Type: Helicopter Crash / Fatality

    Incident summary

    Contractors were in a helicopter conducting an environmental survey, when the helicopter lost power and crashed. The passenger in the front seat was fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Ensure emergency response plans are established.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-01

    Type: Explosion / Fatality (two workers)

    Incident summary

    An explosion occurred inside a compressor building at an upgrading facility. The workers were changing out valves on a compressor when the explosion occurred. Two workers were fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess all hazardous energy sources before machinery or equipment is serviced or repaired.
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Ensure emergency response plans are established.

    Safety resources:

    Incident Notice 2015-15

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    While a worker was unloading emulsion fluid from a tanker truck into a slop tank, the worker became entangled in the power take off (PTO). The worker was fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify all the existing and potential hazards at the worksite and implement the appropriate control measures for those identified hazards.
    • Ensure safeguards are provided if a worker may accidentally, or through the work process, come into contact with moving parts of equipment.
    • If a worker is working alone, ensure there is an effective and regular communication system between the worker, and the employer or employers designate.

    Safety resources

    • Explanation Guide, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment and Part 22 Safeguards

    Incident Notice 2014-01

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    Workers were in the process of loading a rig tank onto a flat deck truck using the truck’s winch. A worker was standing on the deck of the truck near the winch cable. While attached to the winch cable, the tank moved, causing the winch cable to pull taut. The worker was struck by the winch cable and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Workers are trained to safely load and unload equipment.
    • Take all reasonable steps to ensure equipment is restrained to prevent accidental movement.
    • Assess and control the hazards associated with winching operations.
    • Workers affected by identified hazards are informed of the hazards and the methods used to control or eliminate them.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-02

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    During a night shift, a worker identified a leak on a pipeline while it was being hydro tested. The worker parked their truck and followed the water trail by foot back to the source of the leak. The leak undercut the ground around a pipeline creating a sink hole. As the worker approached the source of the leak the worker fell into the sink hole and subsequently died.

    Safety reminders

    • Maintain good communication/regular contact with workers who are working alone.
    • Carefully assess all existing and potential hazards.
    • Take engineering, administrative, personal protective equipment or a combination of these measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-10

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A large male black bear attacked a worker who was walking through a material laydown area. The bear dragged the worker into the bush while other workers tried to scare the bear away. The bear was shot by an RCMP officer. Both the bear and the worker were found deceased in the trees.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards of working in areas of wildlife habitation and take the necessary controls to prevent wildlife and workers from interacting with each other.
    • Review wildlife management plans and wildlife land use guidelines and ensure that operations are in accordance with Alberta’s Fish & Wildlife policies.
    • Following human-wildlife conflict information on Alberta’s Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) website, report wildlife to a Fish & Wildlife office.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-11

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was performing field maintenance on a D9T dozer. The worker was positioned underneath the D9T dozer trying to lower the bottom guard to access an area that needed repair. The bottom guard came down onto the worker and the worker was fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Take appropriate measures when working around suspended loads.
    • Equipment is maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specifications.
    • Existing or potential hazards are identified and controlled.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-16

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker made contact with a return roller located under a conveyor used for gravel crushing operations. The contact resulted in the worker being pulled into the conveyor, receiving fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards of moving parts of machinery and implement controls to prevent workers from coming into contact with hazardous moving parts
    • Install proper guarding and safety switches on all machinery where required
    • Shutdown and use lock out procedures when working near unguarded equipment
    • Create designated places to cross under moving conveyor belts
    • Ensure designated crossing places to cross under moving conveyor belts are being used

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-22

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    While working on a drilling rig floor, a worker was struck in the face when a metal plate came off the drilling rigs top drive. The metal plate fell more than 3 meters and caused fatal injuries when it struck the worker.

    Safety reminders

    • Equipment that may pose a hazard to workers if it is moved or dislodged is properly restrained.
    • Drilling rigs are inspected by a competent person before they are placed into service and every seventh day on which they are used for as long as they are in service.
    • Equipment used at a worksite is maintained in a condition that will not compromise the health or safety of workers using it.
    • Emergency response plan is current and practiced

    Safety resources

  • Mobile equipment operation

    Incident Notice: 2020-09

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident Summary

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

    Safety Reminders

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

    Safety Resources

    Incident Notice 2018-19

    Type: Crush

    Incident Summary

    A worker was inside a trench, greater than 3 m deep by 6 m wide, to level it out when the south bank gave way covering the worker up to their neck. Other workers in the area used an excavator to remove the worker from the trench and initiated CPR. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety Reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • If workers must access a trench, ensure walls are secured by shoring or engineered-stabilization methods or are cut back to protect the workers from soil cave-ins.
    • For trenches that are more than 1.5 m deep, ensure that workers have a safe point of entry and exit that is not more than 8 m away.

    Safety Resources

  • Provincial and municipal government, education and health services

    Industry Notice: 2023-10

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

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

    Incident Notice: 2023-05

    Type: Violence

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-24

    Type: Drowning

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-21

    Type: Struck by vehicle

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-19

    Type: Assault

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-03

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

    A worker was exiting a loading bay area when they were pinned by an overhead door as it closed. The worker suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.
    • Install and maintain equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
    • Follow equipment manufacturer’s service and maintenance instructions.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-07

    Type: Crush/Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was performing maintenance on a ride-on lawnmower elevated by a jack stand. The mower fell and crushed the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • In Alberta in 2017, approximately 1,146 disabling injuries occurred by being crushed in workplaces.
    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • If working alone, ensure an effective communication system is in place that includes regular contact by the employer with the affected worker.
    • Ensure equipment is installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-10

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    An inventory parts worker was preparing to transport a compressor to an offsite work site. The worker was fatally injured when the worker became pinned between the compressor and their vehicle.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess and control hazards associated with handling heavy loads
    • Secure loads so that they cannot shift and become a danger to workers
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-06

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A city police officer was fatally shot during the course of the officer's duties.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify all the existing and potential hazards at the worksite and implement the appropriate control measures for those identified hazards.
    • Develop safe work procedures when potential hazards are identified as having high severity consequences if the hazard isn’t eliminated or mitigated.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-19

    Type: Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was loading scaffolding and other materials onto the back of a one ton flatbed truck. Shortly after the final piece of material was placed at the front of the flatbed, the worker walked over the load, towards the rear of the flatbed. The worker fell approximately 1.6 metres from the back end of the truck bed to the ground and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders for industry

    • Assess the hazards associated with preparing mixed loads of materials. Ensure controls are implemented to reduce or eliminate the identified hazards.
    • Take all reasonable steps secure equipment and materials to prevent movement or dislodgement that may create a hazard to workers.

    Safety resources

  • Transportation, communication and utilities

    Incident Notice: 2023-02

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-23

    Type: Motor vehicle collision

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-16

    Type: Drowning

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-03

    Type: Entangled

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-22

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-07

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-03

    Type: Burn

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-15

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-12

    Type: Asphyxiation/Crushed

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-03

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-21

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-04

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

    A worker was found collapsed and unresponsive at the work site. The worker was apparently struck by a powered mobile vehicle and suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Check work areas around powered mobile equipment for potential dangers to workers before moving equipment.
    • Consider the speed of the moving vehicles and the duties and work location of workers relative to vehicles and powered mobile equipment.
    • Vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot or equipment. Control traffic to protect the workers.
    • Ensure workers on foot and/or working around vehicles wear highly visible apparel that is clearly distinguishable.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-05

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

    A tow truck operator was removing a vehicle from a facility. During the work process, while the worker was under the vehicle, the tow truck and the vehicle moved, and ran over the worker. The worker was fatally injured.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Secure powered mobile equipment against unintentional movement by an effective method of immobilizing the equipment.
    • Maintain and operate powered mobile equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-02

    Type: Crush / Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker had delivered a tractor/trailer load to a work site. While a co-worker off-loaded the material, a load of lumber fell onto the worker causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Be familiar with safe work procedures for equipment and unloading of materials.
    • Ensure that each load is secured so it cannot shift and become a danger to workers.
    • Workers must be alerted to any movement of powered mobile equipment to ensure that they are out of the line of fire posed by the equipment.
    • Ground workers must maintain line-of-sight communication with workers operating powered mobile equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-28

    Type: Carbon Monoxide / Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was overcome by carbon monoxide gas due to a mechanical fault of the boiler exhaust system.

    Safety reminders

    • Ensure equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
    • Ensure worker's exposure to any harmful substance is kept as low as reasonable achievable.
    • If a worker may be exposed to an airborne concentration that is more than the occupational exposure limits of a substance, the employer must conduct measurements of the concentrations of that substance at the work site.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-13

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A coach bus driver dropped off workers at an intersection on the worksite. As the bus moved forward to complete a left turn at the intersection, a worker crossing the road was struck and caught underneath the vehicle.

    Safety reminders

    • Vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot or equipment; Ensure that the traffic is controlled to protect the workers
    • Consider the speed of the moving vehicles and the duties and work location of workers relative to vehicles and powered mobile equipment
    • Ensure workers on foot and exposed to the hazards of moving vehicles wear highly visible apparel that is clearly distinguishable.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-08

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker delivered a load of materials with a tractor-trailer. During transport, the materials on a pallet inside the trailer shifted. When the forklift operator was removing the load from the trailer, a worker approached the load and attempted to balance it. The materials fell off the pallet, pinning the worker between the load and the inside wall of the trailer. The worker died from the injuries that resulted from being pinned.

    Safety reminders

    • Maintain safe working distances from moving loads and at no times ride on a load.
    • Secure loads so that they cannot shift and become a danger to workers.
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-23

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was in the process of loading a passenger vehicle onto a tow truck when a passing vehicle rear ended the passenger vehicle and struck the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Control vehicle traffic dangerous to workers on foot
    • High visibility clothing is worn by workers exposed to traffic
    • Use warning signs, barriers, lane control devices, flashing lights, flares, pilot vehicles, remote/automatic traffic control systems, designated persons directing traffic or methods described in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada when traffic on a public highway is dangerous to workers

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-25

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    Workers were undertaking sewer line up-grades using a pneumatic system. An issue arose regarding the operation of the system, and a worker entered the system area in an attempt to help correct the issue when a pneumatic ram released, striking the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Hazard assessments should address all real and potential hazards, have necessary controls identified and be reviewed with all workers before starting work.
    • Equipment is operated and adjusted in accordance with the equipment manufacturer specifications. Modified specifications are certified by a professional engineer.
    • Workers are familiar with the equipment specifications and they are readily available to the workers responsible for the work.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-31

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A haul truck driver was in the process of pulling over on the side of a mine road when the haul truck ran over a half ton pickup truck that was close by. The driver of the half ton pickup truck was fatally crushed.

    Safety reminders

    • If a powered mobile equipment operator’s view of the equipment’s path of travel is obstructed, the powered mobile equipment has a warning device, automatic system, or method appropriate to the hazards of the work site to protect other workers from injury.
    • Operators follow directions of traffic control or warning systems.
    • All workers are stationed in continuous view of the operator or all other workers are removed from the area into which the equipment will move.
    • When vehicle traffic at a work site is dangerous to workers on foot, in vehicles or on equipment, the traffic is controlled to protect them.

    Safety resources

     

  • Trucking Service - General

    Incident Notice: 2022-17

    Type: Struck by

    Incident Summary

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

    Safety Reminders

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

    Safety Resources

  • Wholesale and retail

    Incident Notice: 2023-03

    Type: Asphyxiation

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-11

    Type: Violence

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2022-10

    Type: Violence

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-24

    Type: Violence

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2021-05

    Type: Struck by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2020-01

    Type: Crushed by

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-22

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-05

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-10

    Type: Crushed

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2019-12

    Type: Pinned

    Incident summary

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

    Safety reminders

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

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-07

    Type: Assault

    Incident summary

    A worker was assaulted when they tried to stop a theft from an unattended kiosk at a mall. The worker suffered significant head injuries from the assault and succumbed to their injuries several days later.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess workplace violence hazards.
    • If working alone, ensure a working alone policy is in place and followed by workers.
    • Develop policies and procedures to minimize or eliminate workplace violence and potential danger to workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-09

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    A worker was unloading slabs of quartz from a trailer when strapping released from the bundles. A bundle of approximately 20 slabs fell from trailer, striking the worker and causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Secure each load so it cannot shift and become a danger to workers.
    • Know safe work procedures for unloading materials.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-10

    Type: Crush

    Incident summary

    A worker was in the process of removing the rear bumper from a partially dismantled vehicle for recycling. While the worker was under the vehicle, the vehicle moved and fell on the worker’s chest, causing a fatal injury.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Secure powered mobile equipment against unintentional movement by an effective method of immobilizing the equipment.
    • Maintain and operate powered mobile equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice: 2018-12

    Type: Struck By Object

    Incident summary

    A worker was operating a loader down a sloped gravel road into the facility yard. The operator lost control of the loader, which struck 2 young workers who were power-washing sections of concrete-pouring equipment in the facility yard. One of the young workers suffered fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Properly train workers in the safe use and operation of equipment.
    • Employers are responsible for ensuring operators of powered mobile equipment are competent to operate powered mobile equipment.
    • Inspect and maintain equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2018-22

    Type: Slip and Fall

    Incident summary

    A worker was walking through rows of vehicles and slipped and fell on ice, suffering a head injury. The injured worker attempted to drive to the hospital and was later found unconscious in their vehicle. The injured worker was transported to a hospital where they were admitted and underwent emergency surgery. The worker passed away from the head injury several days later.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify all existing and potential hazards at the worksite and implement the appropriate control measures for those identified hazards.
    • Ensure workers use footwear that is appropriate for the hazards associated with their work and the work site.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-14

    Type: Crush / Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was assisting another worker operating a forklift that was carrying a slab of granite. The ground worker walked into the path of the forklift. The forklift operator ran over the worker, causing fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Consider using spotters when using mobile equipment around areas where view may be obstructed.
    • 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.
    • Identify existing and potential hazards before work begins including physical hazards.
    • Be familiar with safe work procedures for equipment and moving materials on the equipment.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2017-18

    Type: Struck by Vehicle / Fatality

    Incident summary

    An owner of a gas station pursued a moving vehicle after fuel theft. The owner was struck and sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Employers must include violence as a hazard in hazard assessments.
    • Develop policies and procedures to minimize or eliminate workplace violence and potential danger to workers.
    • Ensure emergency response plans are established.
    • If working alone, ensure a working alone policy is in place and followed by workers.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-13

    Type: Fall / Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was making change for a customer when he/she lost his/her balance and fell off a ramp onto the concrete floor. The worker struck his/her head on the floor and succumbed to the injuries the following day.

    Safety reminders

    • Ensure emergency response plans are established.
    • Ensure entry way and exits are clear of obstructions.
    • Assess the need for handrails on ramps.
    • Assess hazards when conditions change and take the necessary control measures to eliminate or control the identified hazards.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2016-21

    Type: Crush / Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker placed jack stands under the rear of a vehicle chassis, and then lowered the chassis onto the stands. The worker then went underneath the chassis to complete their task. The chassis shifted and fell off the jack stands pinning the worker underneath resulting in fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Before work begins, assess the work site to identify existing or potential hazards.
    • Workers must not place themselves in the ‘Line of Fire’ of potential hazardous energy.
    • Ensure equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
    • Secure loads so that they cannot shift and become a danger to workers.
    • Only use approved equipment for specific jobs.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-05

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A member of the public arrived at a gas station to fill a vehicle with gas. Upon completion of this, the individual drove off without paying. A worker of the gas station pursued the vehicle on foot. The worker was struck by the vehicle. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess workplace violence hazards
    • Develop policies and procedures to minimize or eliminate workplace violence and potential danger to workers
    • Ensure emergency response plans are established
    • If working alone, ensure a working alone policy is in place and followed by workers

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-09

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was working in the gas bar/convenience store when a misunderstanding with a customer occurred. There was a physical altercation in which the worker was struck by the customer and fell to the ground striking their head. The worker sustained a traumatic head injury and died in hospital.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess workplace violence hazards
    • Ensure workers are trained to recognize workplace violence
    • Ensure policies and procedures are developed to minimize or eliminate workplace violence
    • Ensure emergency preparedness and response plans are established

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2015-14

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A convenience store worker working the late shift alone was fatally injured after being shot during an armed robbery at the work site.

    Safety reminders

    • Identify all the existing and potential hazards at the worksite for each shift and implement the appropriate control measures for those identified hazards.
    • Involved the affected workers with the identified hazards and the implemented controls measures.
    • Any worker working alone is required to have regular communications with the employer or the employer’s representative.

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-05

    Type: Fatality and Serious Injury

    Incident summary

    A worker arrived at the place of employment for the worker's regular shift. The worker entered the building and began attacking the other workers at the workplace. Two workers were fatally injured and four workers sustained serious injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Assess workplace violence hazards
    • Workers are trained to recognize workplace violence
    • Policies and procedures are developed to minimize or eliminate workplace violence
    • Emergency preparedness and response plans are established

    Safety resources

    Incident Notice 2014-12

    Type: Fatality

    Incident summary

    A worker was undertaking repairs on a Commercial Bus used to transport workers on a work site. The vehicle was positioned on a ramp and the worker was beneath the vehicle at the time of the incident. While the worker was beneath the vehicle, the vehicle started to roll and the worker was caught in the undercarriage of the vehicle, sustaining fatal injuries.

    Safety reminders

    • Ensure that qualified personnel service and repair vehicles or equipment.
    • Ensure that hazard assessments and proper procedures to control hazards are in place before starting any work on vehicles or equipment.
    • Ensure that vehicles and equipment are properly secured against movement while being services or repaired.

    Safety resources

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