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WorkSafeBC

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This page contains summaries of Notice of Incident (NI) reports received by WorkSafeBC. This information may help you to prevent similar accidents in your workplace.

THE NI INFORMATION IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Some details have been edited to protect the privacy of workers involved.

Completed WorkSafeBC investigation reports for selected Construction incidents are available online.

Construction - Incident Summaries

All Sectors | Construction | Manufacturing | Primary Resources | Public Sector | Service Sector | Trade | Transportation & Warehousing | Young Worker

Construction incident summaries from other dates

2009 July - December

Injury Type : Injury to foot
Core Activity : Roofing
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2010157560013
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A worker fell from the roof of a single-family residence.
Injury Type : Amputated fingers
Core Activity : Wood floor installation
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2010140710075
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A worker was cutting a piece of flooring lumber with an unguarded table saw. As the worker lowered the wood onto the blade to make an internal cut, the blade kicked back and caught his hand.
Injury Type : Undetermined injuries
Core Activity : Exterior painting
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2010161950006
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A painter was standing on the framework of a structural steel canopy while using a roller to apply paint to the structural supports. The worker slipped and fell 11 feet 5 inches to the concrete sidewalk below.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Industrial, commercial, or institutional construction
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009158820294
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

During excavation for the foundations of a new building, a 2-inch low-pressure gas line was struck. A "call before you dig" locate had been requested, and four of the five utility providers had responded (except for the gas utility provider). No workers were injured.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Residential construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009108440401
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A fully extended rough-terrain zoom-boom forklift with a 15-foot truss boom attachment fell over while attempting to lift and relocate a 1,400-pound, 16-by-20-foot wall panel. The boom landed on and fell through the roof of the neighbouring house.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Crane operation
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009118870543
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A vacuum clamp was being used to handle exterior wall panels during installation. The vacuum clamp failed, and a panel fell more than 25 feet to grade.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Electrical work
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009110750766
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

An electrician qualified to work on low-voltage services was preparing to run wiring through a 4-inch-diameter conduit and found there was no string in place to pull the wire. A steel "fish" tape (used to pull wire) was pushed through about 65 feet of conduit. When the electrical vault was opened by electricians qualified to work on high-voltage services, the fish tape was found to be close to a 12-kV line.
Injury Type : Undetermined injuries
Core Activity : Scaffolding rental and installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009115132635
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A worker was dismantling scaffolding when the hook on a scaffold deck failed. The worker fell 6 feet to the concrete floor.
Injury Type : Cracked ribs, cuts, scrapes, bruises (1 worker); cuts, bruises (1 worker)
Core Activity : Steep-slope roofing
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009102100889
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

When the ladder in a ladder jack scaffold dislodged, two roofers slid down a steep cedar shake roof (pitch of 6:12) and fell to the ground (8 feet).
Injury Type : Broken arm
Core Activity : Erecting steel frames
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009117640615
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A crane was slinging metal roof trusses onto a site when the load line contacted a beam about 20 feet above the ground. The grouted anchors of a support column failed, and it fell and struck a second support frame, which also fell. A worker trying to escape the area was struck.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Residential construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009160530419
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A worker was using a backhoe to dig a trench for the installation of electrical service to a newly constructed home. To thaw the ground to make it easier to dig with the backhoe, the worker was operating a handheld propane torch. The flame from the torch melted a plastic natural gas supply line, igniting the natural gas.
Injury Type : Burn injuries (2 workers); smoke inhalation (1 worker)
Core Activity : Maintenance of switch gear
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009158880515
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

Two workers were burned when an explosion occurred in an underground electrical vault. A worker on the surface suffered smoke inhalation while trying to assess the condition of the two workers in the vault.
Injury Type : Crush injury to arm
Core Activity : Site preparation
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009154960474
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A utility company's boom truck appeared to have a hydraulic problem near its stabilizer arm. As a backhoe operator assisted the boom truck operator, the stabilizer inadvertently moved and crushed the backhoe operator's arm.
Injury Type : Injuries to back, chest, head
Core Activity : Commercial construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009114550254
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A worker fell about 9 feet from the top of the sidewalk hoarding.
Injury Type : Shock, undetermined injuries
Core Activity : Drywall taping
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161770312
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A worker was using stilts to do drywall taping on the ceiling of a single-family home. The worker fell onto a wooden subfloor.
Injury Type : Shoulder injury, temporary loss of feeling in legs
Core Activity : Replacing exterior siding
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161480287
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

As a worker descended a scaffold, he slipped and fell at the 16-foot mark. The worker's fall was arrested by his fall protection equipment. He was lowered to the ground by emergency responders.
Injury Type : Crushed hand
Core Activity : Pile driving
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450393
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

The lead support line on a pile-driving crane became tangled with the top corner of the leads. As a worker was trying to untangle the lead line, his hand was crushed by the whip line ball.
Injury Type : Burns to head, arms
Core Activity : Electrical work
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163640248
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

An electrician was pulling wires into a live breaker box (208-volt three phase) when the ground wire contacted the bus bar.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Hand locating underground gas line
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161950615
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A worker was hand digging to uncover an underground gas line (3/4 inch diameter) when the shovel inadvertently ruptured the gas line.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation work
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157520320
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

An excavator was being moved from a residential excavation site in a cul-de-sac to a parked lowbed (for loading). As the excavator headed down the icy slope of the paved roadway, it started to slide and rotate. Its bucket struck a parked vehicle before the excavator collided with a retaining wall at the end of a driveway. The excavator operator jammed the bucket into the road to prevent the excavator from toppling over. The excavator came to rest with one track suspended 2 feet off the road surface.
Injury Type : Broken arm
Core Activity : General construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157410272
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A worker fell off a wood-framed scaffold and landed about 8 feet below.
Injury Type : Fractured arms, mild concussion
Core Activity : General construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165560165
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

Co-workers found a new worker lying unresponsive on a concrete slab next to a toppled ladder. The worker had been on the ladder nailing exterior sheathing material.
Injury Type : Violence in the workplace
Core Activity : Commercial construction
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009154960459
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A person set himself on fire near the entrance of a hospital parkade adjacent to a construction site. Several construction workers were exposed to the traumatic event while assisting in extinguishing the fire. The fire victim was treated by emergency personnel but later succumbed to his injuries.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavating near house
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009154930353
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A backhoe was digging near a house when it broke a gas line whose location was known. The operator entered the excavation and crimped the line. The utility company sent a crew to deal with the emergency.
Injury Type : Blunt trauma injuries to back and arm
Core Activity : Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning service
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009120030511
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A worker was using a ladder to access a rooftop to work on a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The 14-foot fixed ladder, which had 6 inches of clearance between the rungs and the back wall, was frosty. The worker was climbing the ladder when he lost his grip on the ladder and fell about 6 feet.
Injury Type : Multiple fractures, internal injuries
Core Activity : Residential framing
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009110750726
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

In preparation for lifting a pre-constructed wall into place, workers removed guardrails. The wall structure was covered in frost. A worker who was not involved in the lift stepped onto the wall structure to retrieve his hammer, which was 7 feet from the edge. He slipped and fell 37 feet to the rocks below.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Commercial construction
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009154960451
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

The canopy of a 6-storey steel-frame scaffold, with attached tarpaulin, was exposed to high winds. About 180 feet of the tarpaulin and 2x4 strapping pulled free of the canopy and landed on the adjacent roadway. There were no reports of injuries or of damage to vehicles.
Injury Type : Serious injury to eye
Core Activity : Residential framing
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165810247
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A young worker was operating a nail gun with coil framing nails when the wire coil flew off. It entered the worker's eye from underneath his safety glasses.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Cleaning gutters
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009155270318
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

A self-employed unregistered worker was cleaning gutters on a 2-storey house. As he descended an aluminum extension ladder set up on a second-storey sundeck, he fell about 16 feet onto the asphalt driveway.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009156730493
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

An excavator contacted a gas line while installing power and telecommunications lines. The excavator operator had recently installed the gas line.
Injury Type : Injuries to ears and head
Core Activity : Pipeline construction
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009154930356
Date of Incident : 2009-Dec

Workers filled a plastic pop bottle with acetylene and placed it on a fire at their worksite, then quickly moved away. When the makeshift device exploded, the shockwave injured a young worker who was only about 4 feet away from the fire.
Injury Type : Fatal (non-worker)
Core Activity : Electrical work
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2010163760030
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a company vehicle being driven after working hours.
Injury Type : Bruised shoulder, neck
Core Activity : Installation of fire sprinklers
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009113830234
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker was transferring 21-foot pipes from a closed traffic lane to an underground parking area. After lifting and positioning a pipe on his shoulder, the worker was turned in the direction of the underground parking when a motor vehicle's passenger side mirror hit the tail end of the pipe.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Water and sewer installation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009156160337
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

As an excavator was moving to a separate work area, it struck overhead communications and electrical infrastructure. It broke one utility pole and collapsed the system.
Injury Type : Severe burns, internal injuries
Core Activity : Power line service
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009143950314
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker climbed a single-phase 14.4-kV utility pole to replace an insulator. The worker contacted an overhead line.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Installation of underground utilities
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009109150603
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

An excavator punctured a 4-inch natural gas distribution line. The line was buried about 12 inches below the surface in fractured/blast rock material. As the bucket of the excavator was loosening material, a sharp rock punctured the plastic line.
Injury Type : Flash burns
Core Activity : Electrical work
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009129160898
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker connected a neutral wire to a neutral bus bar in an energized electrical panel. The neutral wire contacted the energized conductor at the panel, causing an arc flash.
Injury Type : Fractured ribs
Core Activity : Resource road construction
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009124490115
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker had fuelled up a rock truck and was climbing into the back of the fuel truck when he slipped and fell onto a metal cross brace.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Concrete pumping
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163640231
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

As a concrete pumper truck was folding up its boom, it contacted overhead high-voltage lines.
Injury Type : Fractured wrist, ankle, foot; back injury
Core Activity : Roofing
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009112850250
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker on a second-storey balcony lost his balance and fell about 20 feet.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavating for sewer pipe installation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009109150587
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

While digging for the installation of sewer pipes, an excavator severed an underground natural gas service line. The location of the line had not been accurately determined at a sufficient number of locations before excavation work with powered equipment began. A portion of the line had been located, but workers were unable to obtain an accurate locate further along the edge of the driveway and therefore assumed that the line followed a straight path away from the located section.
Injury Type : Severe burns, internal injuries
Core Activity : Power line service
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009143950314
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker climbed a single-phase 14.4-kV utility pole to replace an insulator. The worker contacted an overhead line.
Injury Type : Broken leg and arm
Core Activity : Power line repair
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009113830218
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker fell about 26 feet from a utility pole when the pole broke off at its base.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Mobile crane operation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009160580269
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

The 110-foot lattice boom on a hydraulic mobile crane was pulled over backwards (snapped off). The non-functioning safety limits on the crane allowed it to be boomed up too high.
Injury Type : Concussion, soft-tissue injuries
Core Activity : Traffic control
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009158880452
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A reversing vehicle struck a traffic control person.
See a hazard alert about the risks of working in traffic control zones:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Posters.asp?ReportID=35319
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Crane operation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009115132600
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

As a concrete sump was being offloaded on a public roadway, its lid fell onto the roadway and was struck by a passing vehicle.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Water line replacement
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157270299
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A backhoe digging a trench for a new water line severed a 2-inch gas line.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Formwork
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009158880449
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A tower crane was lowering a basket-slung column form (16 feet by 4 feet) from the top deck of a highrise. About 20 feet above the deck it was to land on, the form tilted in the slings. This caused six taper ties and a 16-foot 4x6, all unsecured, to fall to the deck.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Tower crane operation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009165570173
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

The boom of a tower crane, with load on hook, contacted the boom of a 200-ton mobile crane. The mobile crane had its boom extended inside the radius of the tower crane but was not working at the time of the incident.
Injury Type : Concussion, fractured vertebrae
Core Activity : Installation of gutters
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009165880252
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker was working alone, installing gutters on a new home in a remote location. The worker fell from a ladder and landed on his back on the ground about 15 feet below. He walked to a nearby highway to flag down assistance.
Injury Type : Broken foot bone
Core Activity : Installation of services
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163640241
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A backhoe was carrying a section of concrete pipe suspended from its bucket. A worker was holding onto the pipe to control its movement during transit. When the worker stopped walking to manoeuvre the pipe around an obstacle, the backhoe continued forward and ran over the worker's foot.
Injury Type : Shoulder injury; head contusion and laceration
Core Activity : Installation of metal roof
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157410256
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

In preparation for the installation of a new roof, a young worker accessed a first-level hip roof on a two-storey home to remove a tarp. Shortly after, the worker fell to grade (about 11.5 feet). Fall protection was available on site but was not being used.
Injury Type : Broken vertebrae, hip, ankle (1 worker); scrapes, cuts, soreness (2 workers)
Core Activity : Heating and insulation installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009113830238
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

Three workers fell about 12 feet when the temporary work platform they were on collapsed.
Injury Type : Dizziness, disorientation
Core Activity : Institutional construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009109150596
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker was sitting in the construction site trailer at the end of the shift when he felt dizzy and disoriented. He blew the first aid horn for assistance.
Injury Type : Broken ankle, lacerations
Core Activity : Barn construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161480277
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker was retrieving an electrical cord from a 4:12 sloped metal roof when he lost his footing. He slid off the roof, landing on the ground about 16 feet below.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Structural concrete forming
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009115132611
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A wooden piece of formwork about 12 feet by 10 feet was being readied for removal when it fell from the 15th floor, destroying the access way and electrical service to the manhoist.
Injury Type : Broken wrist and rib; internal injuries
Core Activity : Setup of scaffolding
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009114550238
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker fell between 12 and 13 feet from a scaffold system.
Injury Type : Bruising
Core Activity : Steep slope roofing
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009112850264
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

While moving from one anchor to another, a worker slipped and fell from a roof to grade (12 feet).
Injury Type : Injury to shoulder
Core Activity : Oilfield welding
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009144250163
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A service rig was being used to remove a large-diameter piece of pipe (production casing). The winch line from the service rig had been attached to the casing bowl to hold it in position. The steel casing bowl section suddenly separated from the casing and struck a worker.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation of utility
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009161290498
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A broken water main required an emergency locate of utilities. The gas company completed an on-site locate, with subsequent hand excavation uncovering a dormant steel service line. During mechanical excavation, an active polyethylene service located underneath the steel line was struck.
Injury Type : Undetermined injuries
Core Activity : Steep slope roofing
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009115132602
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker was standing on a toe board (work platform) on a steep slope roof, preparing to climb down a ladder. He had disconnected his lanyard from his personal fall protection system when one of the roof brackets/jacks securing the toe board pulled out. The worker fell to grade (13 feet).
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Site surface preparation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009109150588
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A worker was using a chainsaw to cut one stem of a multi-stem deciduous tree. A mini-excavator was trying to direct the fall of the stem but lost control of it. The tree limb contacted a low-voltage overhead power line, causing a power outage at an adjacent residence.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009109150585
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

An excavator contacted and severed a 2-inch underground natural gas line, which had previously been located and marked. The line should have been re-located and exposed by hand.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Utility pole installation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450343
Date of Incident : 2009-Nov

A 26-ton truck-mounted crane was unloading wooden utility poles from a trailer. While picking the last pole from the trailer, the boom of the crane collapsed. The crane was operating at a capacity beyond the load chart.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Concrete coring
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009160850238
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

During drilling operations, a 14-inch-diameter concrete boring bit contacted the protective conduit of an embedded 120 VAC electrical line.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavating for bus stop
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009165870261
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

An excavator was developing the site of a new bus stop. As it spread pit-run gravel, it severed a 1-inch gas line (a stub off the 4-inch main line). No other property damage or injuries occurred.
Injury Type : Skull fracture and laceration
Core Activity : Hydroelectric dam
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2010152480040
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A young worker was struck by a falling piece of rebar that had been left unsecured.
Injury Type : Partial amputation of finger
Core Activity : Pulp mill
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009140970342
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was hooking up a trailer with a welding unit on it to his truck. The worker exited the truck to make sure that the ball and hitch were lining up. As he tried to align them, the trailer moved. The hitch came down and pushed one of his fingers onto the ball.
Injury Type : Fractured leg, bruising
Core Activity : Crane operation
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009147050571
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was on the top plate of a private residence that was being renovated. He was knocked off the plate by a load swinging from a truck-mounted crane.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Worker transport by water
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009154960389
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A landing craft was in transit with two workers onboard when it capsized.
Injury Type : Chest pain
Core Activity : Asbestos abatement
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163710279
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was in an excavation to do the asbestos abatement of a water pipe. The excavation partly collapsed, and the worker was buried to his knees. As co-workers tried to free the worker, another collapse occurred, covering him up to his chest.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Site surface preparation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009163050290
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

While preparing for curb installation, a power curbing machine contacted a pressurized 8-inch gas line. No injuries or property damage occurred.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Site preparation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009163050287
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A backhoe contacted a 25-kV primary line. Underground utilities were not accurately located before excavation began.
Injury Type : Multiple fractures, internal injuries
Core Activity : Rock scaling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009156240327
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A rock scaler had finished work on an outcropping and unhooked his lifeline. He was traversing an adjacent slope to leave the area when the ground under him collapsed. The worker and the dislodged rock and soil slid down the slope, under a metal mesh structure, and stopped about 120 feet downslope at the highway ditch. The worker was partially buried in the rock and soil.
Injury Type : Amputated finger
Core Activity : Carpentry
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009156240323
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was cross-cutting a piece of lumber with a portable circular saw. The saw blade pinched, causing the saw to kick back and contact the worker's hand.
See a video segment about kickback from circular saws (part of a series on power tool safety):
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Multimedia/Videos.asp?reportid=35773
Injury Type : Multiple fractures, punctured lung
Core Activity : Residential framing
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009122700258
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker fell one level through an opening in the floor.
See a hazard alert about a worker who fell through an opening in a roof:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Posters.asp?ReportID=34669
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Industrial or commercial construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009117080307
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A main electrical power supply cable became entangled during the operation of the manhoists at a construction site. This damaged the main electrical power supply cable and the bicycle pulley system used to guide the power supply cable when the manhoist moves up and down. High winds may have been a contributing factor in this incident.
Injury Type : Broken ankle
Core Activity : Power line installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009113820282
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker had climbed a wooden power pole to a height of about 10 feet when he slipped and fell to grade. The worker was wearing climbing spurs but did not use a climbing belt.
Injury Type : Bruising
Core Activity : Drilling and blasting
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009155980330
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A traffic control person (TCP) was directing traffic about 147 feet from a blast site. When the blast was detonated, fly rock struck the TCP.
See a slide show about another blasting incident in which fly rock struck a worker:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Multimedia/SlideShows.asp?ReportID=34853
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Tower crane operation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009115132581
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A tower crane landed two pallets of concrete pavers on a balcony of the 26th floor. The top pallet of pavers was not secured and the pavers (about 2,200 pounds) fell to ground level.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009136970203
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

During work to install a water line, an excavator severed a 2-inch natural gas line.
Injury Type : Fatal (non-worker)
Core Activity : Construction
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009136900170
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A child (non-worker) was fatally injured when plywood sheets standing on edge fell onto him.
Injury Type : Multiple fractures, internal injuries (non-worker)
Core Activity : Industrial construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009122700245
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A non-worker was on a ladder, trying to access a roof. The ladder slipped and the person fell 15 feet.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Road construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009156580422
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

During road work, a 30-mm gas line was snagged. The weld at the base of a nipple cracked, causing a slow release of gas.
Injury Type : Burns to upper body (2 workers)
Core Activity : Power line service
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009122700237
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

Two workers (one of them a young worker) were injured by an arc flash in a manhole containing 25-kV power lines.
Injury Type : Serious injuries (2 non-workers)
Core Activity : Highway maintenance
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009111110359
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

Two non-workers were seriously injured when their motorcycle crashed into a flashing arrow board. The board was operating on the closed centre lane; the impact from the crash propelled the arrow board trailer 13 metres across the open right-side lane.
Injury Type : Multiple fractures
Core Activity : Heavy equipment repair
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009111970230
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was removing bolts that fastened a shock bar to the bottom of a collector plate. He had cut the bolts and was hammering them free when the 100-pound collector plate (about 2 feet x 20 feet x 1/8 inch) fell 5 feet and struck him.
Injury Type : Fractured collarbone, bruising
Core Activity : Electrical work
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009090580570
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was 10 feet up an extension ladder that was leaning against a utility pole. Nearby, a truck's manlift basket was lowered to the truck deck but the boom was not completely lowered. When the truck's operator received a call to go to another site, he forgot the boom was not fully lowered. The truck backed up and the boom struck a de-energized line, partially pulling over the utility pole. The ladder leaning against the pole fell over backwards, and the worker landed on the ground.
Injury Type : Abrasions, bruising
Core Activity : Sprinkler fitting
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009158880431
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was on the cantilevered end of a scaffold plank when it flipped up. The worker fell 9 feet, 9 inches to the floor below.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Residential construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157270277
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

An excavator was removing dirt from a collection basin excavation (6 feet by 6 feet) when it contacted a 14-kV conductor. The line was returned to service after the utility company inspected it.
Injury Type : Multiple injuries
Core Activity : Scaffolding installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009114550226
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was standing on a scaffold/bleacher deck about 55 feet above grade as a tower crane operator (operating remotely) and another worker prepared to land a load of scaffold components. As the load was landed, one of the slings contacted part of the scaffold system. When the operator hoisted the load, the scaffold deck structure began to rise. The scaffold deck dislodged from its connection point behind the worker, and the worker fell to the ground.
Injury Type : Broken foot bones
Core Activity : Traffic control
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009156730410
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A large excavator was tracking backward when it contacted the foot of a traffic control person (a young worker). The excavator's back-up warning beeper was sounding.
Injury Type : Injured arm
Core Activity : Land clearing
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165410139
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker brought a loaded articulating dump truck to a stop, intending to dump the load of dirt. As the rear box rose, the tailgate did not unlock. The load then shifted, causing the truck to stand on end. The truck cab turned to the right side and fell to the ground. The worker was wearing a seat belt.
Injury Type : Electrical burns
Core Activity : Operation of truck-mounted crane
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009162000315
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A young worker was preparing to rig a load when the winch cable he was holding contacted an overhead power line (7.2 kV).
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavating
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009137102959
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was excavating on a residential property to perform utility repairs when a natural gas line was ruptured. The location of utilities had not been verified before excavating began.
Injury Type : Back and neck strain
Core Activity : Excavation for blasting
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009113920132
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

As an excavator lifted blasting mats into place, it became unstable and rolled onto its boom side. The operator was wearing the provided seat belt and sustained only minor injuries.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Land clearing
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009143950274
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

An excavator was being moved. As the bucket was placed down so the excavator could spin, a 2-inch gas line was severed. Almost 400 customers were without service as a result.
Injury Type : Multiple broken bones and lacerations
Core Activity : Traffic control
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163710258
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

While controlling traffic, a young worker was struck by a vehicle and thrown about 100 feet.
See a hazard alert about the risks of working in traffic control zones:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Posters.asp?ReportID=35319
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Site preparation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163710257
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

An excavator's boom was raised to clear a fence. The boom contacted a 14.4-kV power line. No one was injured.
Injury Type : Dislocated shoulder and finger
Core Activity : Residential construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009112850274
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker fell about 8 feet from a ladder to a concrete driveway.
Injury Type : Concussion, bruises
Core Activity : House painting
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157270263
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker was on a 6-foot stepladder, painting the skirting of the upper deck of a home, when the ladder suddenly collapsed. The worker fell about 5 feet to grade, striking his head on the lower deck surface on the way down.
Injury Type : Dislocated shoulder
Core Activity : Steep slope roofing
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009143950253
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A young worker was on the peak of a roof with a pitch of 10:12, wearing personal fall protection. When the worker stepped on an unsecured piece of roofing felt, it slid and he fell onto the roof surface.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Gutter repair
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009102100809
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker was on a ladder, installing cladding on fascia board on the gable end of a house. The ladder dislodged and the worker fell about 14 feet.
Injury Type : Minor electric shock
Core Activity : Electrical work
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163640197
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

As an electrician climbed a 6-foot stepladder to test for electrical current in a junction box, the back of his hand brushed wires from a 340-volt lighting circuit.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Highrise residential construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161950564
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A fire was discovered on the 17th level of a concrete residential highrise under construction. The fire consumed building materials and generated smoke damage before being extinguished by the fire department.
Injury Type : Bruised back
Core Activity : Commercial construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157270256
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker was on an unsecured ladder, pushing on a trim board to set it in place, when the ladder slid out from under him. The worker fell about 12 feet to grade.
Injury Type : Laceration (1 worker); abrasions, contusions (2 workers)
Core Activity : Construction
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009137290201
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

Three workers were blown down by wind generated by jet engines on the tarmac next to a construction site.
Injury Type : Electrical burns
Core Activity : Asbestos surveying
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009122700210
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

While conducting an asbestos survey, a worker contacted a 7.2-kV primary overhead power line that was lying over a trailer home. An energized power pole had been felled by a chainsaw, and the transformer had been removed.
Injury Type : Fractured vertebrae
Core Activity : Exterior painting
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009110110259
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker was painting a second-storey soffit and fascia while standing on a combination step/extension ladder (8 to 10 feet) with its base on a deck. The worker fell off the ladder and landed on the deck.
Injury Type : Shortness of breath
Core Activity : Traffic control
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161770250
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A traffic control person experienced shortness of breath shortly after a rock fell from an excavator bucket, striking and rupturing an exposed 2-inch gas line.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Crane operation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009160850200
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A sling used to lift an air test bushing (about 15 feet long by 2 inches deep and weighing 1,000 pounds) was rigged so the sling eye applied the load to the safety catch of the crane hook during the lift. The safety catch failed, permitting the sling-supported end of the load to fall and hit the concrete floor 15 feet below. No workers were in the area.
Injury Type : Lacerations
Core Activity : Scaffolding rentals and installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009147230188
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker was walking through a work yard when he collapsed and fell to the ground.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Wood frame construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009128230271
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker was riding on the tailgate of a moving pickup truck when he fell off and struck his head on the pavement.
Injury Type : Fractures (2 worker)
Core Activity : Painting
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165830121
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

Two painters were on separate extension ladders, masking a 20-foot-high ceiling in a warehouse. The base of one ladder slid away, causing the base of the other ladder to slide out as well. Both workers fell to the concrete floor.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavating for utilities
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009159110352
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A backhoe snagged a 14-kV underground conductor while excavating for water and sewer service at a residential construction site. The conductor was pulled away from the connection at the low-profile transformer located about 15 metres from the excavation site.
Injury Type : Cuts, abrasions, bruising
Core Activity : Sheathing a roof
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009154970425
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker was hooking a lifeline around a ridge truss when the lifeline dislodged. The worker lost his footing and slid down the roof (pitch of 6/12), then fell 29 feet to grade.
Injury Type : Multiple fractures
Core Activity : Cladding installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163710250
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A young worker was using cross braces as a ladder while descending the side of an unfinished building. A brace slipped out from underfoot and the worker fell 11 feet.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Tower crane operation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009158880358
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

The jib of a conventional tower crane collided with the jib of a luffing tower crane.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009143950244
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

An excavator was digging a trench for the installation of a new 8-inch water valve when it pulled an abandoned 3/4-inch gas service at the 3-inch main. Nearby homes and businesses were evacuated and traffic was re-directed.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Drilling foundation pile holes
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009154930288
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

While foundation pile holes were being drilled under a sidewalk, drilling equipment contacted an underground natural gas distribution line. Neighbouring workplaces were evacuated until the line was repaired. No workers were injured.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Steep slope roofing
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009110750595
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

Materials were being lowered on a power ladder when the ladder collapsed. Bolts used to secure the sections of the ladder had not been installed.
Injury Type : Lacerations to both legs
Core Activity : Fence installation
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009110750593
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker was using a 5-inch angle grinder equipped with a 7-inch cutting wheel to disassemble a wrought-iron fence. The worker had completed partial cuts to three sections of fence when the fence fell onto the worker. The 900-pound section of fence pinned the worker to the ground, and the grinder landed atop the worker with the switch locked in the "on" position. The grinder was being used without guards because of the oversized blade.
Read a hazard alert about a worker who died while using a handheld grinder to cut a wrought-iron fence:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Posters.asp?reportid=33277
Injury Type : Fractured vertebrae
Core Activity : Equipment installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161950587
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

While descending a set of stairs, a young worker slipped and fell to the concrete floor below.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Parking lot construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009152480281
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

An excavator was sloping the sides of a new parking lot when its bucket snagged the anchor stabilizing a utility pole. The pole, which held an energized 25-kV overhead power line, fell over. The excavator operator was not on site when the utility company arrived.
Injury Type : Burns
Core Activity : Road construction
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009124120269
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

Two workers were removing water from a ditch using a construction pump (4-inch-diameter trash pump) when the water level in the ditch dropped and the pump began performing poorly. It was decided to switch to a smaller pump. As one worker removed the 4-inch hose from the discharge side of the pump, the pressure inside the pump housing blew the hose off, spraying the other worker with extremely hot water. The investigation into the incident concluded that low water levels allowed air to be sucked into the pump, which caused the pump to cavitate. This prevented the water from discharging and caused the water to heat to a very high temperature and become pressurized within the pump housing.
Injury Type : Broken hip
Core Activity : Residential painting
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165410111
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A young worker was on a roof, painting a gable end. He fell off the roof and landed on concrete 12 feet below.
Injury Type : Fractured vertebrae, arm, leg
Core Activity : House construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009143950226
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A worker was on the deck of a house (about 15 feet above grade), moving a sheet of plywood. The worker fell from the deck and landed on a parked car below.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Wood frame construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161761018
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A fire at a wood frame condominium construction site burned a covered framing table occupying about 1,000 square feet. Fire services determined that a faulty extension cord ignited the fire.
Injury Type : Bruises
Core Activity : Crane operation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009165870157
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

While a self-erecting crane was landing a load on the third floor of a building under construction, a young worker stepped backwards off an open side. He fell 9 feet to the floor below.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009161290461
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

An excavator was straddling the trench for an underground utility, off centre, when the pavement edge gave way and the right track of the excavator slid into the trench. The excavator's boom struck an unoccupied vehicle nearby, breaking a side window and damaging the door frame and roof.
Injury Type : Fractured vertebrae, strains, bruising
Core Activity : Exterior painting
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009155270269
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A worker was on an extension ladder about 16 feet above grade, painting. The ladder twisted away from the building, carrying the worker to the ground.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009161290462
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

An underground gas line (1 1/8 inch) was ruptured during excavation of a trench containing gas and data utilities. The gas line had been marked and located, but an excavator had slid into the trench earlier in the day and the trench had then been filled in to protect the gas line while the excavator was removed. The job site and neighbouring 126-bed residence were evacuated until the leak was repaired.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavating
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165810128
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A boulder, located underneath a gas line, was removed and relocated by hand so that a backhoe could scoop and lift it out of a shallow trench. While on a slight slope, the backhoe lost control of the boulder and it rolled back onto the gas line it had been moved from. This disconnected the coupling from a previous repair, releasing gas until the utility company was able to make repairs.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Mobile crane operation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009117080242
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

The load line of an 80-ton mobile crawler crane contacted an energized high-voltage overhead power line.
Injury Type : Eye injury
Core Activity : Wood frame construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009163050206
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

As a worker was cutting thin strips of wood on a table saw, a piece broke off and entered the worker's eye. The worker was not wearing eye protection.
Injury Type : Serious lacerations
Core Activity : Commercial construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009122700183
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A worker was grinding concrete with a handheld grinder when the grinder's abrasive cup stone shattered.
Read a hazard alert about a similar incident in which a worker was fatally injured:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Posters.asp?ReportID=33277
Injury Type : Fractured vertebra
Core Activity : Commercial construction
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009110750539
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

Wood frame re-shore units (10 feet x 10 feet x 25 feet and 2,000 pounds) were being dismantled. A worker removed support braces from one unit, which became unstable and fell towards the worker. A 400-pound side wall component pinned the worker to the floor.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Framing and forming
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165810102
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A tracked excavator was re-positioning a trench cage when the knuckle of its boom contacted an overhead 14.4-kV power line. An emergency crew from the utility company came to the site. No one was injured.
Injury Type : Leg wound
Core Activity : Roofing
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009159110343
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A worker was trying to clear a jam in a pneumatic-coil nail gun. He rested the gun on his leg while he worked on it. When he closed the nail chamber cover, the gun discharged a 2.25-inch spiral nail into his leg.
Read a bulletin about preventing injuries from nail guns:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Posters.asp?ReportID=34835
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Site surface preparation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009116120253
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

An excavator was travelling along a roadway. As it crested the top of a hill, its boom contacted an overhead 7.2-kV power line.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavating
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009155980282
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

An excavator was digging drainage for a commercial business when it ruptured a 2-inch gas main.
Injury Type : Undetermined injuries
Core Activity : Wood frame construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009155730167
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A homeowner was laying out floor joists on the second floor of a home under construction when he stepped backward onto an unsecured joist that twisted. He fell about 20 feet to gravel below. No form of fall protection was in use.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavating
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009131490305
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A skid-steer front-end loader with an auger attachment was digging a hole for the installation of school playground equipment. The auger contacted an energized underground conductor.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Equipment rentals
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009163050222
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A crane operator was preparing a 24-ton mobile crane for transport when the lifting chain doubled up on itself, causing the three-part block to fall and swing into an overhead electrical line.
Injury Type : Broken ribs, lung injury
Core Activity : Siding installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009117080238
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A worker was installing siding while standing on a manufactured sawhorse (about 3 feet above grade). The sawhorse was resting on uneven and unstable ground. The worker fell off the sawhorse, onto a wooden crate.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Land clearing
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009155980274
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

An excavator ruptured a 3/4-inch gas line while excavating for a driveway.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavating for water line repair
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157520230
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

While digging for water line repair, an excavator contacted a primary conductor, causing problems in the nearby primary transformer.
Injury Type : Chemical burns to eye
Core Activity : Construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009117080302
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A worker went to the first aid room complaining of particulates in his eye. The first aid attendant mistakenly administered a disinfecting solution to flush the eye.
Injury Type : Heat stress, temporary loss of consciousness
Core Activity : Roofing
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009155270249
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A roofer (young worker) fainted from heat stress while on the ground.
Injury Type : Multiple fractures
Core Activity : Road construction
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009124120208
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was standing next to a service truck on the shoulder of the road when he was struck by a passing transport truck.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163710220
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

An excavator boom contacted the neutral line located below three 12-kV overhead power lines. When the boom was moved away, the utility pole holding up the overhead power lines began to sway. Two overhead power lines moved into close proximity, resulting in an electrical arc flash, tripped fuse, and power outage.
Injury Type : Bruised leg and arm
Core Activity : Installing soffits
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163710217
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A young worker was on a stepladder near the edge of the 11th floor of a high-rise building. The worker fell off the stepladder and dropped about 4 feet before his personal fall arrest system stopped his fall. The worker pulled himself back up onto the 11th floor.
Injury Type : Fractured nose, lacerated face
Core Activity : Road construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009160530258
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was turning a water valve when the water pressure blew a 2-inch steel cap off the pipe. The cap struck the worker.
Injury Type : Fatal (non-worker)
Core Activity : Residential construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009119700137
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

During construction of a home, a non-worker was on a 6-foot stepladder when he fell to the ground (about 4 feet), sustaining fatal injuries.
Injury Type : Serious injuries
Core Activity : Roofing
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165810095
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A young worker was seriously injured when he fell about 16 feet from a roof to the ground (concrete). No fall protection system was in place.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Site preparation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163710214
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

While digging in a tree planter, an excavator damaged the conduit housing a high-voltage (12-kV) conductor. The lines inside the conduit were not damaged and the outer casing was repaired.
Injury Type : Back pain and swelling, difficulty breathing
Core Activity : Steel stud installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163710213
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was working from a two-step drywall sawhorse when he fell. The worker reported that he fell because the sawhorse shook.
Injury Type : Concussion, bruising, abrasion
Core Activity : Installing brick fascia
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161950513
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

Wooden shoring posts and hydraulic jacks were being used to raise deflected areas of a suspended concrete slab within a concrete low-rise building. A wooden shore post (4 inches by 6 inches by 95 inches) fell from the seventh floor and struck a worker on a hydra-lift work platform at the fourth-floor level. The post glanced off the worker's hard hat before striking him.
Injury Type : Fatal (1 worker); serious injuries (1 worker)
Core Activity : Travelling to worksite
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009152480212
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

Two young workers were travelling to a worksite when their vehicle rear-ended a 5-ton van making a left turn. The worker in the passenger's seat died; the worker who was driving suffered serious injuries.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Overpass construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009122700167
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A torch was being used to cut the top of metal girders on an abutment wall. The expanded polystyrene insulation behind the foundation wall caught fire.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Tower crane operation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009115132542
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

The jib of a lower tower crane contacted the load line of a higher tower crane.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Electrical work
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450235
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

At a commercial construction site, lubrication pits were covered with 3/8-inch plywood hatch covers. A worker walked onto a hatch cover, it failed, and he then fell 5 feet 10 inches to a metal mezzanine, sustaining fatal injuries.
Injury Type : Electrical burns
Core Activity : Electrical work
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157530211
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was removing a temporary power conduit located inside a live electrical service panel (600-volt) when he contacted the bus bars with the conduit.
Injury Type : Strained back, hip
Core Activity : Hydro-vac services
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009131490268
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

To locate a broken water line, a worker was hydro-vacuuming an excavation underneath a mobile home. The excavation sides collapsed onto the worker's lower legs, causing him to stumble.
Injury Type : Fractured wrist
Core Activity : Commercial construction
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009120030306
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was descending from the top of an entrance archway onto a scaffold system when he fell about 5 feet to the pavement.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Seismic blasting
Location : Northwest BC
ID Number : 2009161740142
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A non-worker cut the detonating cord of an explosive initiation device. WorkSafeBC and government authorities were consulted before the blaster successfully detonated the explosives.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Road construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009163050173
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

Hand locating was done during ground preparations for installing new utility services. Despite this, a gas line was contacted, gas entered a private home, and extensive fire damage occurred.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Excavation work
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009116120204
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

An excavator working in a roadway near a mall and homes ruptured a 2-inch gas line. Gas flowed for about an hour before it was stopped.
Injury Type : Amputation of fingertip
Core Activity : Residential renovation
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009154960254
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

The bucket of a mini excavator was being used to pry up the base of a portable wheelchair lift from a concrete pad. The worker removed a bolt and the frame inadvertently moved. The worker's hand was pinched between the frame and the deck.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Culvert installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157530187
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

An excavator was digging a trench for a culvert when it contacted a guide wire between two utility poles. Two energized 14.4-kV power lines were dislodged from their insulators.
Injury Type : Minor injuries to head
Core Activity : Home renovation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009155730154
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was standing on a ladder pulling nails from wood siding. The worker slipped and fell 4 feet to the concrete surface below.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Gantry crane operation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009137102866
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

An employer-manufactured gantry hoist was hoisting and moving a power generator (60--70 tons) when the structure failed. The load fell, narrowly missing workers.
Injury Type : Head injury
Core Activity : Painting
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009113830162
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was on a ladder (16 feet above ground) painting fascia boards on a house when the ladder slipped out from under him.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Tower crane operation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009115132534
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A remotely operated tower crane was moving about 5,000 pounds of concrete siding material from a flatbed truck to a job site. The material was hoisted over an exterior deck while the tower crane operator moved to the upper deck to land the load. The brakes did not hold the load, and the material landed on the upper exterior deck, then slid down onto a lower deck.
Injury Type : Head laceration, possible concussion
Core Activity : Formwork
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163710194
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A young worker was dismantling formwork and falsework when a piece of 3/4-inch plywood (2 feet by 5 feet) came free and struck him.
Injury Type : Shattered bones
Core Activity : Road paving
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157270182
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was unloading a packer from the back of a 3-ton flatbed truck parked on a 10 percent grade. After the worker had inched the packer forward to slacken the tie-down chains, the truck began to move forward. The worker jumped, landing on the pavement.
Injury Type : Fractured leg
Core Activity : Crawler crane operation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165410070
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

Two workers were rigging a load to a crawler crane's number 1 main line when the number 2 main line released and swung like a pendulum. The headache ball on the number 2 line struck one of the workers, who dove over nearby material to avoid being struck again on the return swing.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Wood frame construction
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157270173
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

Workers were adjusting trusses to correct the roof profile of an octagon-shaped building under construction. To make the adjustments, they removed one brace. Five minutes later they heard a loud snap at the opposite end of the roof. The entire roof structure, about 36 trusses, collapsed into the building.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Dredging
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009117670160
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was fatally injured when a pneumatically operated flap valve (26-inch diameter) on a dredge suction line was inadvertently activated and closed. The worker was pinned between a bulkhead and the external moving parts of the valve.
Injury Type : Lacerated arm
Core Activity : Drywall installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009117670158
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

On a construction site, a worker exiting the building was struck by a falling tool. The tool had been dropped inadvertently by a worker on a telescoping work platform several storeys up.
Injury Type : Fractured leg
Core Activity : Commercial construction
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009165570071
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was hammering a block wall with a hydraulic breaker (jackhammer) attached to a skid-steer front-end loader, about 10 feet above grade. The breaker component dislodged from the front boom, landing in the cab.
Injury Type : Fractured leg
Core Activity : Roofing
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009161770203
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was doing roofing work from the top of a 24-foot aluminum extension ladder. The feet of the ladder were placed on a partial sheet of plywood, which in turn was placed on top of roofing debris in a garbage disposal bin. The base of the ladder moved, causing the worker to fall backwards about 20 feet and land on the top edge of the bin.
Injury Type : Bruising
Core Activity : Electrical installation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009165830053
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

Two workers were moving an electrical cabinet (946 pounds) from a wooden pallet onto the forks of a hand pallet jack. The cabinet fell over and landed on one of the workers (a young worker).


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