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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 Primary Resources incidents are available online.

Primary Resources - Incident Summaries

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

Primary Resources incident summaries from other dates

2009 - (updated November 12, 2009)

Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Moving a drilling rig
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009144250156
Date of Incident : 2008-Oct

A drilling rig derrick (about 138 feet long) was being transported between 2 large-bed trucks. The rear truck got too close to the edge of the road and slid into the ditch, damaging the derrick. The derrick had to taken away for repairs and recertification, but no workers were injured.
Injury Type : Bruising
Core Activity : Oil or gas field servicing
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009124490110
Date of Incident : 2009-Oct

A worker was driving an SUV on a resource road, heading to a drilling lease location. The road was icy and at one slippery patch, the vehicle went into a skid, sliding sideways and rolling into the ditch. The worker was not seriously injured.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Gas well servicing
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009165800095
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A mobile crane was moving a coiled tubing injector head (a device used to feed continuous piping into and out of a well) from the well head onto the transportation cradle. The load unexpectedly dropped 3 feet and became embedded in the rig matting (wooden mats supporting the drill rig).
Injury Type : Fractures and internal injuries
Core Activity : Farming
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163270196
Date of Incident : 2009-Sep

A worker was attempting to bypass-start a tractor from the ground. The tractor engaged in gear and its rear wheels ran over the worker.
Read a hazard alert about an accident in which a worker died while bypass-starting mobile equipment:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Posters.asp?ReportID=33152
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Integrated forest management
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009113820240
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

During the construction of a logging road, fly rock from a blast struck and damaged two vehicles that had been driven into the danger area.
Watch a slide show about another fly rock incident:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Multimedia/SlideShows.asp?ReportID=34853
Injury Type : Fractured vertebrae and facial bones
Core Activity : Residential tree falling
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009158920201
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

An unregistered tree faller/topper was attempting to fall a slender (7 inches in diameter) 55-foot-tall tree in a homeowner's backyard. The tree struck a 10-foot-high stub about 20 feet away. The tree rocked on the stub, kicked back, and struck the faller.
Injury Type : Multiple fractures
Core Activity : Blueberry farming
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163270181
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A blueberry picker was run over by a motor vehicle backing up.
Injury Type : Fractured ribs
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009131490294
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

The operator of an empty log transporter was injured when the truck failed to negotiate a right-hand curve and travelled into the ditch on the left side of the roadway.
Injury Type : Face and back injuries
Core Activity : Forest fire fighting
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009155980269
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A worker was felling a 25-foot hemlock tree (10 inches in diameter) on a slope. As it fell, the tree became hung up on two saplings. As the worker tried to fell the saplings, the hemlock came free and struck the worker.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Moving an oil and gas drilling rig
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009158820219
Date of Incident : 2009-Aug

A pole truck was lifting and separating a laid-down derrick (an oil and gas drilling derrick) when the structural beams on the derrick bent. The wrong lifting points were being used.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Ranching
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009140970199
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

During extreme weather (suspected tornado), a worker was about to seek shelter in a barn when the barn collapsed. The worker was pinned between rafters of the fallen barn and the vehicle that he had exited.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Manual tree falling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009161740137
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A faller bucking the roots off a windfall ended up underneath the roots with fatal injuries.
Injury Type : Lacerated hand
Core Activity : Logging operations
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009156160195
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A faller was using a chainsaw to prepare a back cut when he tried to move a twig with one hand. Either the twig caught in the chain and pulled his hand in, or his hand slipped off the twig into the chain.
Injury Type : Undetermined injuries
Core Activity : Logging
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009156160194
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A runaway log went past the chokerman and struck another log. The struck log scissored back, striking the chokerman in the back.
Injury Type : Undetermined injuries (several workers)
Core Activity : Tree fruit harvesting
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009165880123
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A helicopter had been hired to hover over an orchard and blow rainwater off fruit to prevent cracking. Workers picking fruit were not cleared from the orchard when the helicopter arrived. The rotorwash caused workers to fall off their ladders, ladders to fall onto workers on the ground, and galvanized picking pails to become airborne.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Mushroom farming
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009163270168
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

Fire destroyed the production facility at a mushroom farm.
Injury Type : Cuts to arm and body
Core Activity : Brushing
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009152480224
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker was using a chainsaw to cut down vegetation growing around seedlings when he fell onto the running chainsaw bar.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Brushing under power line
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009116090014
Date of Incident : 2009-Jul

A worker felled a sapling onto an energized high-voltage power line.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Grapple yarding
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009152480181
Date of Incident : 2009-Jun

A grapple yarder had landed a turn of logs and was swinging around to return the grapple back down the hill when the lattice boom framework fractured and failed. The lattice boom fell backwards, missing the cab but striking the back of the yarder.
Injury Type : Hand and arm injuries
Core Activity : Trap fishing
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009157490120
Date of Incident : 2009-Jun

A worker was hauling (pulling in) a fishing trap using a capstan winch when one hand became wrapped in the line.
Injury Type : Shoulder injury
Core Activity : Manual falling
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157600131
Date of Incident : 2009-Jun

A faller was putting an undercut into a 14-inch-diameter hemlock when he was struck on the shoulder by a danger tree that collapsed from uphill. The danger tree was 20 feet high and 5 inches in diameter.
Read an investigation report about an incident in which a faller died when he was struck by a danger tree:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/AccidentInvestigations/IR-PrimaryResources.asp?ReportID=34625
Injury Type : Pelvic injury
Core Activity : Berry farming
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009117670135
Date of Incident : 2009-Jun

A farm worker was pulling weeds between berry bushes, head down, when he was run over by a rough-terrain vehicle.
Injury Type : Fractured leg
Core Activity : Berry farming
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009125400113
Date of Incident : 2009-Jun

A tractor reversed unexpectedly, pinning the leg of a nearby worker.
Injury Type : Broken and fractured bones
Core Activity : Baling hay
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009165880066
Date of Incident : 2009-Jun

A worker was baling hay in a field with a moderate slope. The worker dismounted the tractor to remove an object from the path. The tractor, which had not been shut down, started to move forward. The worker tried to remount the tractor, fell to the ground, and was run over by both the tractor and the hay baler. The equipment continued across the field and went over an embankment.
Injury Type : Broken leg, fractured collarbone
Core Activity : Grading logging road
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009160530186
Date of Incident : 2009-Jun

A grader was backing off the low side of a road when it went down a 69-percent embankment. The grader operator jumped from the cab. The grader came to rest on a lower road 85 metres away.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Commercial fishing
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009157490121
Date of Incident : 2009-Jun

A fishing vessel was found near the beach with its engine running and no one on board. A deceased worker was found about 1.5 nautical miles away.
Injury Type : Concussion, laceration, contusions
Core Activity : Trap fishing
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009157490114
Date of Incident : 2009-Jun

As a fisherman was hauling up commercial traps, he was struck by the hydraulic trap hauler.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Farming
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009125400105
Date of Incident : 2009-May

A young worker was on a tractor, compacting silage in an open bunker silo. The tractor rolled over sideways, fatally injuring the worker.
See a hazard alert about a tractor rollover:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Posters.asp?ReportID=34855
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Diving at fin fish farm
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009113820146
Date of Incident : 2009-May

A high-pressure compressor in the hold of a dive vessel exploded. The compressor was being used to fill scuba tanks with nitrox.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Worker transport
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009161740097
Date of Incident : 2009-May

A worker went missing while travelling by boat to a remote logging camp. The drowned worker was eventually located about 20 miles from the work site; his boat has not been found.
Injury Type : Minor injuries
Core Activity : Transport of live fish
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009113820133
Date of Incident : 2009-May

While travelling on a highway, a flatbed truck transporting live fish went out of control and overturned. The driver and a passenger (non-worker) sustained only minor injuries.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Falling and bucking
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009158930099
Date of Incident : 2009-May

A manual faller was preparing to fall a red cedar danger tree. A green tree was limb-tied to the cedar. The faller was trying to push over the green tree with another tree when a large slab fell backwards from the cedar and fatally injured him.
Read an investigation report into a similar incident involving a danger tree:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/AccidentInvestigations/IR-PrimaryResources.asp?ReportID=34625
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Oil or gas drilling
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009124490066
Date of Incident : 2009-May

A slip-and-cut operation had been completed for the main load line on a drilling rig. ("Slip-and-cut" is the process that replaces the drilling line once the load line reaches its duty cycle.) Following this operation, the drilling rig crew hoisted a stand of drill pipe that contacted the crown of the drilling rig. No workers were injured and operations were suspended until an engineer could re-certify the drilling rig as safe for operations.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Loading barge with logging equipment
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009136960131
Date of Incident : 2009-May

A log loader became unstable while descending a steep barge ramp. The loader overturned and became partly submerged in about 8 feet of water. Co-workers were not able to rescue the trapped operator.
Injury Type : Fractured leg
Core Activity : Falling and bucking
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009161750107
Date of Incident : 2009-May

A faller was struck by a cedar log that had just been bucked.
Injury Type : Fractured ribs
Core Activity : Manual falling
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009137160052
Date of Incident : 2009-May

A faller was falling a large danger tree (63 feet tall, 28 inches in diameter) on steep ground. The danger tree broke off 6 feet up the stem and fell backwards. The faller was found 27 feet below the base of the tree.
Injury Type : Fractured arm, broken ribs
Core Activity : Manual falling
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009152480147
Date of Incident : 2009-May

A manual faller was falling a dangerous tree that was hung up in another tree when a large branch broke off and struck the faller.
Injury Type : Injuries to ankle and foot
Core Activity : Drilling for natural gas
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009158820110
Date of Incident : 2009-Apr

Workers on a drilling rig were conducting a routine cut-and-slip operation (removing the worn portion of the drilling rig's main lifting cable). One of the workers unintentionally bumped a pneumatic toggle switch used to prevent two-blocking. The switch activated a cylinder that applies the draw work's brake, pinning a worker's ankle between the cylinder yoke and a pivot shaft.
Injury Type : Bruises
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009161740087
Date of Incident : 2009-Apr

Two loaded logging trucks were on the same road heading in the same direction. The lead truck pulled over to let the second truck pass. As the second truck was passing, a small log fell off of it. The log struck the cab of the truck that had pulled over, slightly injuring the driver of that truck.
Injury Type : Concussion, hand injuries
Core Activity : Ranch
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009116120114
Date of Incident : 2009-Apr

A 2-seater plane flown by a worker crashed.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Agriculture
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009152480102
Date of Incident : 2009-Apr

A utility vehicle struck the side of the trailer unit of a parked semi truck and trailer. The worker operating the utility vehicle was fatally injured.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009113820090
Date of Incident : 2009-Apr

A loaded off-highway logging truck went out of control while descending a steep grade. The truck and trailer rolled onto their side, and the load of logs spilled off the trailer.
Injury Type : Fractures, cuts, scrapes
Core Activity : Orchard operation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009165880009
Date of Incident : 2009-Apr

A worker was operating a tractor, spreading fertilizer down the rows of a high-density orchard while other workers followed behind. One worker tried to walk to the front of the tractor while it was in operation. The worker fell backwards under the tractor's left rear tire and was run over.
Injury Type : Deep laceration
Core Activity : Manual tree falling
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009158930072
Date of Incident : 2009-Apr

A faller was cut when his chainsaw kicked out of a back cut of a standing tree.
Injury Type : Concussion, facial injuries
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450131
Date of Incident : 2009-Mar

At a landing, the driver of a log truck with a tri-axle trailer could not connect the folding draw bar to the tractor pintle hook. A log loader operator used the loader's grapple to force the draw bar down, and the draw bar was connected to the pintle hook. Later, the load of logs was unloaded at the mill. While preparing to reload the trailer onto the tractor, the driver could not open the pintle latch. He forced the latch with a small tool, and was struck in the face by the spring-tensioned draw bar.
Injury Type : Multiple fractures
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009140710197
Date of Incident : 2009-Mar

At a logging site, two log truck drivers had a verbal disagreement, then one of the workers repeatedly struck the other.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Dry land sort facility
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009090580146
Date of Incident : 2009-Mar

A log loader was unloading a log transporter when the loader struck an overhead 14.4/25-kV energized power line. The electrical contact damaged both the loader and the transporter.
ZZZ Injury Type : Bruising, pain
Core Activity : Field preparation
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157600069
Date of Incident : 2009-Mar

A farm tractor was pulling a small, open, 4-wheeled trailer/cart in which three workers were seated (on the raised sides in it). One worker fell backwards out of the cart when the "backboard" he was resting against came loose.
Injury Type : Bruised shoulder
Core Activity : Manual tree falling
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009113820061
Date of Incident : 2009-Mar

A faller felled a 32-metre-tall cedar tree (a danger tree) that was limb-tied to a 29-metre-tall hemlock tree. As the cedar fell, the hemlock uprooted and fell onto the cedar, causing a 7.6-metre-long slab of cedar to split off and strike the faller.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Drilling and pipe laying
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009158820076
Date of Incident : 2009-Mar

During a severe winter storm, the dome of a water treatment facility used for oil and gas drilling fluids collapsed. The dome was air-suspended (like a stadium dome). No one was inside or near the dome when it collapsed.
Injury Type : Bruising
Core Activity : Integrated forest management
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450098
Date of Incident : 2009-Mar

A worker was driving a service truck to a logging block when the truck hit a boulder on the highway. The truck rolled over and was a writeoff but the worker sustained just minor injuries because he was wearing his seat belt.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009119700051
Date of Incident : 2009-Mar

A loaded log transporter was travelling on a highway when the left mounting bracket attachment bolts failed on the front bunk. The truck and trailer spun 180 degrees, and the trailer overturned. Logs from both the truck and trailer were scattered along the highway.
Injury Type : Fatal
Core Activity : Manual tree falling
Location : Vancouver Island
ID Number : 2009161740026
Date of Incident : 2009-Feb

A worker was falling trees along a highway for roadside clearance. As he was falling an alder 33 cm in diameter at the stump, it barberchaired (split at the base when back cut), kicked back, and fatally struck him.
Injury Type : Lacerated fingers
Core Activity : Chainsaw operation
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009156160040
Date of Incident : 2009-Feb

During a fall and burn operation to eliminate mountain pine beetle, a worker's hand contacted the moving parts of a chainsaw.
Injury Type : Back injury
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009131490072
Date of Incident : 2009-Feb

As a log transporter was being loaded with logs, the driver entered the loading area to connect the air lines for the transport trailers. A piece of log debris dislodged from the grapple load of logs being loaded onto the trailers and struck the driver.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Logging
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450086
Date of Incident : 2009-Feb

A hydraulic log loader was descending on a debris windrow when it slid, pivoted, and flopped onto its side.
Injury Type : Serious injuries to hand and leg
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009155980073
Date of Incident : 2009-Feb

A loaded logging truck and a crew transport vehicle collided on an active forest service road. The driver of the crew vehicle was seriously injured.
Injury Type : Severe injuries to hand
Core Activity : Trawl fishing
Location : Northwest BC
ID Number : 2009161530024
Date of Incident : 2009-Feb

A crew member was setting a trawl net from the stern of a fishing vessel when a drum nipple under hydraulic pressure failed. Oil shot toward the worker's hand, causing severe injuries.
Injury Type : Heart attack
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450046
Date of Incident : 2009-Feb

A loaded log truck left a landing on a forest service road. There was fresh snow and the truck, which did not have chains, became stuck a few kilometres away. A skidder came and freed the truck. The truck's operator then installed the chains and the truck headed out again. A short time later the driver had severe chest pain and radioed for help. Other truck drivers provided assistance until a Level 3 first aid attendant arrived from the departure landing.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Integrated forest management
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009160530038
Date of Incident : 2009-Feb

A pickup truck with four workers collided head-on with an empty logging truck on a forest resource road. No one was injured.
Injury Type : Serious injuries to hand
Core Activity : Splitting log blocks into firewood
Location : Lower Mainland
ID Number : 2009157410039
Date of Incident : 2009-Feb

A worker suffered serious hand injuries while operating a vertical log splitter.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Oil and gas well drilling
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009158820025
Date of Incident : 2009-Jan

As an oil and gas well was being drilled, a kick (a release of gas and oil toward the surface) occurred. The kick was felt 10 metres from the targeted completion zone of the well. The weighted drilling mud being used was insufficient to control the influx of gas from the formation. Gas and oil bubbled out of the mud tank at the drilling rig, causing sour gas and condensate to be released onto the well site and into the surrounding atmosphere. Procedures to gain control of the well and to clean the contaminated mud revealed that the surface equipment was undersized. Further releases of contaminated mud occurred, and difficulties and cleanup continued for several days. Emergency response procedures prevented any exposures or injuries to workers.
Injury Type : Fractured arm
Core Activity : Dive fishing
Location : Northwest BC
ID Number : 2009157490016
Date of Incident : 2009-Jan

As a capstan winch was being used to hoist a 200-pound fish bag from the water to the deck of a dive vessel, a worker's arm was pulled into the capstan.
Injury Type : Neck and shoulder injuries
Core Activity : Manual falling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450028
Date of Incident : 2009-Jan

A faller was completing a back cut in a 140-foot oversized spruce tree when he was struck by a 9-foot-long fir limb. The hung-up fir limb was hidden in the spruce canopy so he did not see it when taking a last look up before finishing the back cut.
Injury Type : Fractured vertebrae
Core Activity : Integrated logging
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450020
Date of Incident : 2009-Jan

A loaded log transporter (a tandem/jeep with a tri-axle trailer) swung wide on a bend. The driver brought the transporter to a stop with the trailer wheels overhanging a 55 percent slope. The trailer tipped over and dragged the cab with it down the slope.
Injury Type : Bruising
Core Activity : Drilling
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009163790007
Date of Incident : 2009-Jan

A worker was in an ATV, following a seismic drill rig to a worksite. As the ATV went up a steep grade, it flipped and rolled over the worker.
Injury Type : Broken bones in hand
Core Activity : Seismic drilling
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009163790006
Date of Incident : 2009-Jan

A worker was operating a portable drill on a seismic operation. The worker slipped on ice and one hand went under the auger bit as the worker's other arm activated the auger's down lever.
Injury Type : Head and neck injuries
Core Activity : Oil or gas well servicing
Location : Northern BC
ID Number : 2009124490002
Date of Incident : 2009-Jan

During the decommissioning of a well, workers were conducting a slick line operation to lower tools down the well bore. When the load line on the picker unit (truck-mounted crane) broke, the load line ball fell onto the wellhead. It then deflected and struck a worker.
Injury Type : Close call
Core Activity : Log hauling
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009034450017
Date of Incident : 2009-Jan

A loaded log transporter was travelling on a public highway in whiteout conditions. The transporter entered the median and rolled. The load spilled into the oncoming lane, completely blocking one direction of the highway.
Injury Type : Severe leg injuries
Core Activity : Repair of logging equipment
Location : Central Interior
ID Number : 2009090580002
Date of Incident : 2009-Jan

After changing the swing motor in a tracked processor, workers were checking the machine for oil leaks. One worker stood nearby while another operated the machine. The operator inadvertently bumped the boom extension control lever, causing the boom to strike the back of a shop truck. The truck slid forward and pinned the other worker against a steel workbench.


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"Primary Resources" incidents from other dates