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The University of Winnipeg

Serious Incident

What is a serious incident?

Part 2.6 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation defines serious incidents as when:

  • in which a worker is killed;
  • in which a worker suffers
    • an injury resulting from electrical contact,
    • unconsciousness as the result of a concussion,
    • a fracture of his or her skull, spine, pelvis, arm, leg, hand or foot,
    • amputation of an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger or toe,
    • Third degree (full thickness) burns,
    • permanent or temporary loss of sight
    • a cut or laceration that requires medical treatment at a hospital as defined in the Health Services Insurance Act, or
    • asphyxiation or poisoning, or
  • there is a collapse or structural failure of a building, structure, crane, hoist, lift, temporary support system or excavation
  • there is an explosion, fire or flooding
  • there is an uncontrolled spill or escape of a hazardous substance
  • there is a failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator

 

What to do if a serious incident occurs?

In case a serious incident occurs, care for the person first and report the incident to the:

  • Manager, Safety and Health Kevin Smith can be reached at 204.786.9894 or if urgent: 204.782.2588

 

What information needs to be provided?

A serious incident must be reported to the province. When reporting an incident, the following information should be provided:

  • the name and address of each person involved in the incident
  • the name and address of the employer, or any other employers involved
  • the name and address of each person who witnessed the incident
  • the date, time and location of the incident
  • the apparent cause of the incident and the circumstances that gave rise to it.

 

The scene of the incident must not be disturbed:

The scene of an incident must be preserved for at least 24 hours after the Workplace Safety and Health Branch has been notified. No equipment or materials that were involved in an incident may be altered or moved, unless it is necessary to free an injured or trapped person or to avoid creating additional hazards.

 

An employer must ensure:

  • an incident investigation is conducted as soon as reasonably practicable after victims have been treated and the scene secured
  • the co-chairpersons of the committee, the worker representative, or a worker that is not associated with the management of the workplace must be included in the investigation process
  • persons involved in the investigation are trained and qualified
  • corrective actions are communicated to the workers to prevent recurrence of the serious incident and follow-up is conducted to determine whether the corrective actions are working and if further improvements need to be made
  • records pertaining to the investigation are preserved

 

Reference to legal requirements under workplace safety and health legislation: