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Reporting serious incidents

When a serious incident occurs at a workplace, the employer is required to notify the Workplace Safety and Health Branch immediately, by the fastest means of communication available.

How to report a serious incident

Contact the Workplace Safety and Health Branch: 

Winnipeg: 204-957-SAFE (7233) 

Toll-free: 1-855-957-SAFE (7233) 

In an emergency, always call 911 immediately. 

What is a serious incident

A serious incident is defined as one:

  • 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 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) 
    • asphyxiation or poisoning 
  • That involves: 
    • the collapse or structural failure of a building, structure, crane, hoist, lift, temporary support system or excavation 
    • an explosion, fire or flood, an uncontrolled spill or escape of a hazardous substance 
    • the failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator

What information needs to be provided

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. 

If you realize that any of the above information you provided was incorrect or incomplete, you must immediately contact the Workplace Safety and Health Branch again with the new information.

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.

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