When an accident occurs at the workplace, it’s important to be aware of Manitoba’s Provincial reporting requirements. Reporting requirements may vary depending on the severity of the worker’s injury.
Provincial reporting requirements only apply to companies that are provincially regulated. Don’t know if your company is provincially or federally regulated? Reach out to the RPM team for assistance!
Requirement to Report:
In the province of Manitoba, serious incidents that occur in a workplace must be reported to the province’s Workplace Safety and Health department (WSH). The employer is required to report all serious incidents immediately, by the fastest means of communication possible.
What is a “Serious Incident”
The Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Part 2.6, defines serious incidents as an incident:
- 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, or
- asphyxiation or poisoning; or
- 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, or
- the failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator.
When reporting a serious incident to WSH, have the following information ready:
- 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
Motor vehicle accidents on public roads: Are subject to the same recording and reporting requirements identified above. If the police investigated the accident, the police report must accompany the incident investigation report prepared by the police and the Workplace Health and Safety Committee. Both the employer’s report and the police report must be kept on record and be available for WSH to review if required.
How to Report:
Contact Workplace Safety and Health at any time to report a serious incident, injury or fatality at a workplace:
1-855-957-SAFE (7233) (toll-free in Manitoba)
204-957-SAFE (7233) (in Winnipeg)
Select ‘Option 1’
NOTE: Reports submitted to provincial workers’ compensation boards (WCB) or other insurance agencies (MPI) do not fulfill an employer’s obligation to report to Workplace Safety and Health
When a Serious Incident Occurs:
Do not disturb the scene of a serious incident until Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) has been notified and the employer has been given permission to release the scene. Equipment or materials involved in the incident must not be moved or altered unless necessary to rescue an injured or trapped person, prevent further danger, or provide immediate medical care.
Following the reporting of any incident to WSH, an employer may be told to self-investigate or wait for WSH to arrive to investigate. A safety and health officer will inspect the workplace to ensure it is safe for other workers to continue their regular work.
Investigations:
Qualified person(s) must investigate all accidents, occupational diseases, and other incidents affecting any employee. The investigation should identify the causes of the incident so the employer, with the Workplace Health and Safety Committee, can take the necessary measures to prevent a recurrence.
The employer must have records and reports on incidents. Workplace Health and Safety Committees are required to participate in investigations and to provide comments on the employer’s investigation report.
Record Retention:
All records related to incidents and investigations (including police reports), logs of minor injuries must be kept by the employer for a period of 5 years, for provincially regulated employers.
Need more information? RPM can help!
PDF file: OHS Records: Retention Requirements
Self-Led eLearning:
Incident Reporting and Investigations:
A workplace must have a process to report workplace related injuries, illnesses and dangerous occurrences. Upon receipt of these reports, a process must also be in place to ensure investigations are completed to prevent re-occurrence.
At the end of the course, attendees will be able to:
- Explain the purpose(s) of reporting and investigation
- Identify the legislative requirements
- Identify key players to ensure the policy is effectively implemented and maintained
- Understand their roles and responsibilities
Introduction to Trucking Legislation:
The purpose of the material in this Introduction to Trucking Legislation course is to provide employers, supervisors, workers and committee members with an introduction to law and help participants better understand legislation, standards and policies.
The course will discuss findings, interpretation, and applying legislation, standards, and policies within the workplace. All topics will be related to Occupational Health & Safety and Commercial Transportation.
Looking for more great resources like this? Visit our Safety Talks page!