J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 28(2)(g)-(h) and 63 to 65 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NS], 1996, ss. 28, 63-65); Workers’ Compensation Act (Workers’ Compensation Act [NS], 1994-95).

What must be covered.

• Immediately. A death from any cause, or an injury from any cause likely to prove fatal, at the workplace (s. 63(1)(c)).
• As soon as possible and within 24 hours. A fire, flood or accident at the workplace that causes an employee unconsciousness; a fracture of the skull, spine, pelvis, arm, leg, ankle, wrist or a major part of the hand or foot; loss or amputation of a leg, arm, hand, foot, finger or toe; a third-degree burn; loss of sight in one or both eyes; asphyxiation or poisoning; any injury that requires admission to hospital; or any injury that endangers life, unless the injury can be treated by immediate first aid or medical treatment and the person can return to work the next day (s. 63(1)(a)).
• Within 24 hours, whether or not anyone is hurt. An accidental explosion; a major structural failure or collapse of a building or other structure; a major release of a hazardous substance; a fall from a work area where the regulations require fall protection (s. 63(1)(b)).
• Who else, and the compensation shortcut. A copy of the WCB notice of accident delivered within the time counts as notice (s. 63(2)); the committee or representative is also notified (s. 63(3)).
• How. By telephone to the Safety Branch, 1-800-952-2687 (902-424-5400), 24 hours, or by email; the Branch expects a call for fatalities and life-threatening injuries, then the written report (Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, n.d.-g). An online form exists.
• Scene. No one may disturb the scene of a reportable accident, except to attend to the injured, prevent further injury or protect property, until an officer directs otherwise; everyone must give an officer the information requested (ss. 64-65).
• Investigation. The written program must include “a system for the prompt investigation of hazardous occurrences to determine their causes and the actions needed to prevent recurrence” and keep investigation reports (s. 28(2)(g)-(h)); the committee’s functions include participation in inspections, inquiries and investigations (s. 31(d)). No deadline is set.
• Compensation report. The WCB’s employer page says its injury report must reach it within two business days of the worker reporting an injury that needed medical treatment or lost time (WCB Nova Scotia, n.d.-a); the Act’s own deadline and section were not read.

Fire-service nuance.

• A structural collapse at a fire is reportable with no injury. That is this system’s reading of “major structural failure or collapse” and a common audit finding when it is missed.
• Falls. A member falling from an aerial, roof or training tower where fall protection is required is reportable even without injury (J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access).
• Volunteers. This system treats volunteers as employees, so these duties apply to them (J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Partly verified. Sections 28(2)(g)-(h), 31(d) and 63 to 65 of the Act were read on 2026-10-24 in the Office of the Legislative Counsel’s consolidation to 2025-09-01. The Workers’ Compensation Act was not read, so the compensation deadline rests on the WCB’s web page, and the online reporting form’s address was not confirmed.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 23(3)(g)-(h), 36 and 37 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [PE], 1988, ss. 23, 36-37); General Regulations, s. 51.2 (Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations [PE], 2025, s. 51.2); Workers Compensation Act, s. 59 (Workers Compensation Act [PE], 1988, s. 59).

What must be covered.

• Serious injuries. Where a worker is seriously injured “in a manner which causes or may cause a fatality”, or suffers a loss of limb, unconsciousness, substantial loss of blood, a fracture, an amputation of a leg, arm, hand or foot, a burn to a major portion of the body or loss of sight in an eye, the employer sends written notice “by the fastest means available” to the Director within 24 hours (s. 36(1)) and notifies the committee or representative (s. 36(2)). The WCB asks employers to phone its 24-hour OHS line, 902-628-7513, immediately (Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island, n.d.-b).
• No-injury events. A written report to the Director of “all accidental explosions”, whether or not anyone is injured (s. 37; Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations [PE], 2025, s. 51.2). No other dangerous occurrence is prescribed, so a structural collapse with no injury is not reportable.
• Scene. Except as an officer directs, no one may disturb the scene of an accident that results in serious injury or a fatality, except as necessary to attend to persons injured or killed, prevent further injuries or protect endangered property (s. 36(3)).
• Investigation. The program, required at 20 or more workers, must include “a system for the prompt investigation of hazardous occurrences to determine their causes and the actions needed to prevent recurrences” and records of investigations (s. 23(3)(g)-(h)). No deadline is set.
• Compensation report. Within three days of learning of an injury that stops the worker earning full wages or needs medical aid, with a penalty of $100 a day to $1,000 for failing (Workers Compensation Act [PE], 1988, s. 59(3), (5)); the worker claims within six months (s. 59(4)).

Fire-service nuance.

• At a fire you are fighting. An explosion at a scene, such as a cylinder or tank failure, is an “accidental explosion” to report in writing even with no injury (interpretation; confirm with the WCB). A collapse onto or beside crews without injury is not reportable but should go through the department’s own investigation.
• Volunteers. They are workers for compensation, so the three-day report applies to them (J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2023-08-01; compensation Act to 2026-05-29; WCB reporting page read).

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 54 and 55 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NL], 1990, ss. 54-55); Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, ss. 9, 10 and 12 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, ss. 9-10, 12); Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, 2022, s. 65 (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, 2022 [NL], 2022, s. 65); Fire Protection Services Act, s. 28 (Fire Protection Services Act [NL], 2008, s. 28).

What must be covered.

• Immediate notice. To the assistant deputy minister for an accident that “(a) results in serious injury or death” or “(b) had, or continues to have, the reasonable potential of causing serious injury to or the death of a person” (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NL], 1990, s. 54(1)), and immediately to the committee, representative or designate (s. 54(2)). The 24-hour accident reporting line is 1-709-729-4444 (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, n.d.).
• Serious injury. Fractures of the skull, spine, pelvis, femur, humerus, fibula, tibia, radius or ulna; amputation of a major part of a hand or foot; loss of sight of an eye; serious internal haemorrhage; a burn requiring medical attention; explosive injury; gas asphyxiation or poisoning; and any other injury likely to endanger life or cause permanent injury (s. 54(3)).
• Written follow-up. Within three days of a serious injury, using a broader list, where a copy of the report-of-injury form is acceptable; a fatality is reported immediately by telephone with written follow-up within five days (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, s. 10). Occupational disease is reported within three days of the employer being advised (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, s. 9(3)).
• Scene. No one may disturb the scene of a serious-injury or fatal accident except to attend the injured, prevent further injury or protect endangered property (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NL], 1990, s. 55).
• Investigation. The written program, required at 20 or more workers, must include procedures “for the prompt investigation of hazardous occurrences to determine the cause of the occurrence and the actions necessary to prevent a recurrence”, and records of investigations (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, s. 12(1)). No deadline is set.
• Compensation report. Written notice to WorkplaceNL within three days of learning of a work-related injury or possible injury (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, 2022 [NL], 2022, s. 65(1)).

Fire-service nuance.

• The widest no-injury rule in the Atlantic provinces. Limb (b) of s. 54(1) catches any accident with reasonable potential for serious injury or death, so a collapse, flashover or explosion that nearly catches a crew is reportable immediately.
• Fire statute reports. The fire chief reports every fire to the fire commissioner; a fire causing death or injury is reported “immediately” and delivered within 24 hours (FPSA s. 28).
• Volunteers. Certified volunteer members are workers for compensation once the municipality has applied, so the three-day report applies (J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated through the 2024-03-01 amendments; Regulations to 2026-09-24; compensation Act through SNL 2026, c. 8).

Law. Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act, ss. 57, 58, 88 and 89 (Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act [YT], 2021, ss. 57-58, 88-89); Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, s. 18.03(3)(c) (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [YT], 2022, s. 18.03(3)(c)).

What must be covered.

• Immediate report. The employer reports the time, date, place and nature of: an incident causing serious injury to, or the death of, a worker; an incident or injury leading to a worker’s admission to hospital as an in-patient; a major structural failure or collapse of a bridge, building, crane, excavation, hoist, mine, temporary construction support system, tower or similar structure; a major release of a hazardous substance; an explosion or fire with the potential to cause serious injury to, or the death of, a worker or other person; and anything a regulation or board order requires (s. 57(1)-(2)). The 24-hour serious incident line is 867-667-5450 or 1-800-661-0443 (Yukon Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board, n.d.-f).
• Scene. No one may disturb or work at the scene, or move equipment or documents, unless the board or police direct otherwise, except to attend to the injured, prevent further harm or protect endangered property (s. 57(3)).
• Investigation. The employer must investigate and write a report, which goes to the committee or representative and to the board on request (s. 58). Supervisors report serious injuries immediately to an officer (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [YT], 2022, s. 18.03(3)(c)).
• Compensation report. Written notice to the board within three days of learning of any work-related injury or possible injury, with a copy to the worker (s. 89(1)); the worker applies within 12 months (s. 88).

Fire-service nuance.

• At a fire you are fighting. Whether a fire the department is fighting is itself a reportable “fire” under s. 57(1)(e) is untested. Apply the death, in-patient and fire or explosion limbs to the department’s own members, and report a collapse where members are working (interpretation; confirm with the board).
• Volunteers. Volunteers are workers, so these duties apply (J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act as amended to SY 2024, c. 6; board pages read). The fire-scene reading is interpretation.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 1, 8, 9, 11 and 28 to 30 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NT], 2024, ss. 1, 8-9, 11, 28-30); Workers’ Compensation Act, s. 18 (Workers’ Compensation Act [NT], 2007, s. 18).

What must be covered.

• Accidents causing serious bodily injury. One that “causes or could reasonably be expected to cause the death of an individual” or requires in-patient admission for 24 hours or more (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NT], 2024, s. 1), reported to the Chief Safety Officer “as soon as is reasonably possible” (s. 8), with a copy without names to the committee or representative.
• Dangerous occurrences, injury or not. An occurrence that “could have resulted in” such an accident (s. 9), including structural failure or collapse of a structure, scaffold, trench or excavation; crane failure or overturning of powered mobile equipment; contact with an energized conductor; an uncontrolled spill or escape of a toxic, corrosive or explosive substance; failure of an elevated platform; and “failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator” (s. 1).
• How. Phone the WSCC’s 24-hour incident reporting line, 1-800-661-0792, then complete the Employer’s Report of Incident online within three business days (WSCC, 2025b).
• Scene. At a fatality nothing may be moved, except to save life or relieve suffering, until a safety officer completes the investigation; the officer may permit movement after photographs and an inspection by the committee or representative (s. 29).
• Investigation. Serious injuries and dangerous occurrences are investigated jointly with the committee, with a written report covering causes and corrective action (s. 28). Lost-time injuries are reported to the committee (s. 30), and an annual report of person-hours and injuries goes to the Chief Safety Officer (s. 11).
• Compensation report. A written employer report within three days of first having reason to believe an event occurred, with a copy to the worker (Workers’ Compensation Act [NT], 2007, s. 18). Reportable events include “exposure to toxic, noxious or other hazardous substances that could possibly cause personal injury, disease or death in the future”.

Fire-service nuance.

• Exposures go to the WSCC. A significant smoke, chemical or body-fluid exposure is a reportable event under s. 18 even with no injury, which also builds the record a future presumptive claim needs.
• SCBA failure is a dangerous occurrence. Phone it in, report it within three business days and investigate it with the committee.
• At a fire you are fighting. A collapse that could have injured members fits the dangerous occurrence list (interpretation; confirm with the WSCC).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Regulations to 2024-09-26; compensation Act version in force since 2023-03-30; WSCC reporting page read).

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 33 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [AB], 2020, s. 33); Workers’ Compensation Act, ss. 26, 32 and 33 (Workers’ Compensation Act [AB], 2000, ss. 26, 32-33).

What must be covered.

• Deaths and serious injuries. The employer (or prime contractor) reports “the time, place and nature” to a Director “as soon as possible” for an injury, illness or incident that results in a worker’s death, or where “there is reason to believe the worker has been or will be admitted to a hospital beyond treatment in an emergency room or urgent care facility” (s. 33(1)-(2)(a)-(b)). Reports go by phone to the OHS Contact Centre, 1-866-415-8690; the official page does not say it is staffed around the clock (Government of Alberta, n.d.-g).
• No-injury events, as soon as possible. “An unplanned or uncontrolled explosion, fire or flood that causes a serious injury or illness or that has the potential of causing a serious injury or illness”; “the collapse or upset of a crane, derrick or hoist”; and “the collapse or failure of any component of a building or structure necessary for the structural integrity of the building or structure” (s. 33(2)(c)-(e)).
• Potentially serious incidents. Where an incident “had a likelihood of causing a serious injury or illness” and corrective action may be needed, the employer must investigate (s. 33(5)) and submit the result through the province’s online service (Government of Alberta, n.d.-f).
• Scene. Except as directed by a Director, an officer or a police officer, no one may disturb or work at the scene, including the immediate area, or “alter, move or remove equipment, documents or other information” related to it, except to attend to the injured, prevent further injury or protect endangered property (s. 33(9)).
• Investigation. For every reportable event the employer investigates and prepares a report of the circumstances and any corrective action, keeps it available for an officer, and gives a copy to a Director and the joint committee or representative, or makes it available to workers (s. 33(6)). The report is kept at least two years (s. 33(7)) and is not admissible as evidence in a trial arising from the incident, except for perjury (s. 33(8)). No deadline is set.
• Compensation report. Within 72 hours of learning of an accident that disables a worker beyond the day of the accident or needs medical aid beyond first aid, with notice of return to work within 24 hours (Workers’ Compensation Act [AB], 2000, s. 33(1)); the worker reports as soon as practicable (s. 32(2)) and claims within 24 months (s. 26). This report is not notice to OHS.

Fire-service nuance.

• At a fire you are fighting. Read literally, s. 33(2)(c) could capture every working fire, which is “uncontrolled” by definition. The practical reading is to report a fire or explosion event that injures or could seriously injure members (flashover, backdraft, explosion), any collapse of a structural component where members are working, and any member admitted beyond the emergency department (interpretation). Agree the approach in writing with Alberta OHS before you need it.
• Near misses. The potentially serious incident duty turns fireground close calls into investigations with a report, which suits the department’s own learning process.
• Volunteers. Volunteers are workers under the Act, so these duties apply to them (J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (OHS Act consolidated to 2025-06-11; Workers’ Compensation Act to 2025-12-18; reporting pages read). Round-the-clock staffing of the line and the fire-scene reading are not confirmed.

Law. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, ss. 2-2, 2-3 and 3-18 to 3-21 (The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 [SK], 2021, ss. 2-2, 2-3, 3-18 to 3-21); The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013, ss. 44, 52 and 54 (The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013 [SK], 2013, ss. 44, 52, 54); The Fire Safety Act, ss. 20, 22 and 24 (The Fire Safety Act [SK], 2015, ss. 20, 22, 24).

What must be covered.

• Deaths and serious injuries. “As soon as is reasonably possible”, notice to the OHS Division of any accident that causes or may cause death or that will require in-patient hospital admission for 72 hours or more (The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 [SK], 2021, s. 2-2(1)), with a copy to the co-chairs or representative (s. 2-2(3)). The province’s line is 1-800-567-7233, option 1, monitored around the clock (Government of Saskatchewan, n.d.-b).
• Dangerous occurrences, injury or not. As soon as reasonably possible, whether or not anyone is hurt (s. 2-3(1)-(2)), with a copy to the co-chairs (s. 2-3(4)): structural failure or collapse of a structure, scaffold or excavation; crane or hoist failure or overturning of powered mobile equipment; contact with an energized conductor; a grinding wheel burst; uncontrolled spill or escape of a toxic, corrosive or explosive substance; premature detonation; failure of an elevated platform; and “failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator”.
• Scene. At a fatal accident no one may disturb the wreckage until an officer has investigated, “except for the purpose of saving life or relieving human suffering”; the officer may allow things to be moved after photographs and an inspection by a co-chair (s. 3-19).
• Investigation. Every accident causing death or in-patient admission of 24 hours or more, and every dangerous occurrence, is investigated “as soon as is reasonably possible” by the co-chairs, or the employer and the representative (s. 3-18), with a written report covering the description, evidence, causes and immediate and longer-term action (s. 3-20). Lost-time injuries needing medical treatment are reported to the co-chairs (s. 3-21).
• Compensation report. Within five days of becoming aware of an injury that prevents the worker from earning full wages or needs medical aid (The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013 [SK], 2013, s. 52), with a fine of up to $1,000 for failing (s. 54). The worker gives notice as soon as possible and claims within six months (s. 44(1)).

Fire-service nuance.

• SCBA failure is reportable. A failed SCBA at an incident is a dangerous occurrence even if the member got out unhurt.
• At a fire you are fighting. A collapse of the involved structure while members are working on or in it fits “structural failure or collapse of a structure” (interpretation; confirm with the OHS Division).
• Fire statute reports. The local assistant must begin investigating every fire within three business days (FSA s. 20(3)); for a significant fire (suspicious with significant loss, a death or serious injury, or Crown premises) notify the fire commissioner as soon as practicable and secure the scene (s. 22); and report non-fire emergencies to the fire commissioner (s. 24(3)).
• Unpaid volunteers. They are not workers for these OHS duties (they count only for harassment and violence), but they are workers for compensation, so the five-day report applies; report OHS events involving them by policy (J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (regulations last updated 2021-04-01; compensation Act to 2025-08-07; Fire Safety Act to 2024-07-30). The reporting line’s 24-hour monitoring comes from the ministry page.

Law. Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, ss. 2.6 to 2.9 (Workplace Safety and Health Regulation [MB], 2026, ss. 2.6-2.9); The Workers Compensation Act, ss. 17 to 19 (The Workers Compensation Act [MB], 2026, ss. 17-19); The Fires Prevention and Emergency Response Act, ss. 24 and 25 (The Fires Prevention and Emergency Response Act [MB], 2026, ss. 24-25).

What must be covered.

• Serious incidents with injury. A worker killed; an injury from electrical contact; unconsciousness from a concussion; a fracture of the skull, spine, pelvis, arm, leg, hand or foot; amputation of an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger or toe; third-degree burns; loss of sight; a laceration needing hospital treatment; asphyxiation or poisoning (s. 2.6).
• Serious incidents with no injury. Collapse or structural failure of a building, structure, crane, hoist, lift, temporary support or excavation; “an explosion, fire or flood”; an uncontrolled spill or escape of a hazardous substance; and “the failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator” (s. 2.6(c)).
• Notice. “Immediately and by the fastest means available” to the Workplace Safety and Health Branch, with the names, employer, witnesses, date, time, place and apparent cause, and correction of any wrong information at once (s. 2.7). The Branch’s line is 1-855-957-7233, option 1 (Government of Manitoba, n.d.-b).
• Scene. Nothing is altered or moved until at least 24 hours after the notice, except to free a trapped person or avoid a further hazard, or as an officer directs (s. 2.8).
• Investigation. Every serious incident, and every accident or dangerous occurrence that needed medical treatment or could have caused a serious incident, is investigated “as soon as reasonably practicable” by the co-chairs, or the employer with the representative or a non-management worker, with a written report of prescribed content (s. 2.9). No deadline is set.
• Compensation report. Within five business days of the worker’s report or the employer otherwise learning of the injury, whichever is earlier (The Workers Compensation Act [MB], 2026, s. 18(1)-(1.1)); the employer also notifies the WCB of a return to work (s. 18.1(1)). The worker reports as soon as practicable and within 30 days (s. 17(1)) and claims within one year (s. 19(2)).

Fire-service nuance.

• SCBA failure is a serious incident. Report it immediately even when nobody is hurt.
• At a fire you are fighting. “An explosion, fire or flood” is not limited to fires at your own premises on the face of the text. The practical reading is that the fire you were called to is not your serious incident, but an explosion, a fire event that catches crews, or a collapse where members are working is (interpretation; confirm with the Branch in writing).
• Fire statute reports. The fire chief, as local assistant, must immediately notify the Fire Commissioner and the police of a death or serious injury from fire or a suspicious fire, and the Fire Commissioner of injurious explosions, fires of undetermined cause and significant losses (FPERA s. 24); every fire is investigated and reported within 14 days (s. 25).
• Volunteers. Volunteers are workers under the Act, so these duties apply (J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Regulation, compensation Act and fire Act consolidated to 2026-10-20). The reporting line comes from a Branch web page; the fire-scene reading is interpretation.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 9(31) and 51 to 53 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [ON], 1990, ss. 9(31), 51-53); O. Reg. 420/21, Notices and Reports, ss. 1 to 7 (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents [ON], 2026, ss. 1-7); Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, s. 21 (Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 [ON], 1997, s. 21).

What must be covered.

• Deaths and critical injuries. Where a person is killed or critically injured “from any cause” at a workplace, the employer notifies an inspector, the committee or representative and the union “immediately … by telephone or other direct means”, and sends a written report to a Director, with copies to the committee, representative and union, within 48 hours (s. 51(1)). The report’s content is prescribed (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents [ON], 2026, s. 3). Reports go to the Health and Safety Contact Centre, 1-877-202-0008, which operates 24/7 (MLITSD, 2024); written reports may be filed through a government website form (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents [ON], 2026, s. 7).
• Critical injury. One that places life in jeopardy; produces unconsciousness; results in substantial loss of blood; involves a fracture of a leg or arm (not a finger or toe); involves amputation of a leg, arm, hand or foot (not a finger or toe); consists of burns to a major portion of the body; or causes loss of sight in an eye (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents [ON], 2026, s. 1).
• Disabling injuries. Where a worker is disabled from performing their usual work or needs medical attention because of an accident, explosion, fire or workplace violence, written notice within four days to the committee, representative and union; to a Director only if an inspector requires it (s. 52(1)). Occupational illnesses, including a compensation claim for one, are reported within four days to a Director, the committee or representative and the union (s. 52(2)-(3)).
• No-injury events. Explosions, fires, floods, collapses and equipment failures are notifiable under s. 53 only at construction projects, mines and other prescribed places, not at a fire department (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents [ON], 2026, s. 4).
• Scene. No one may interfere with or disturb the scene of a death or critical injury without an inspector’s permission, except to save life or relieve human suffering, maintain an essential public utility or transportation service, or prevent unnecessary damage (s. 51(2)).
• Investigation. The worker members of the committee must designate one or more of their number “to investigate cases where a worker is killed or critically injured at a workplace from any cause”; the designate may inspect the place and anything involved and reports to a Director and the committee (s. 9(31)), and may share findings with an inspector (s. 9(31.1)). The Act sets no separate employer investigation clock.
• Compensation report. Within three days of learning of an accident that needs health care or causes lost earnings, with a copy to the worker (Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 [ON], 1997, s. 21). This report is not notice under s. 51.

Fire-service nuance.

• The fire scene is the firefighter’s workplace. A member killed or critically injured at an incident triggers s. 51, including the 48-hour written report and the scene rule. “From any cause” is read as needing a reasonable connection to worker safety.
• No near-miss notice. A collapse or explosion at a fire with no injury is not notifiable to the ministry; the department’s own near-miss and learning process has to carry it.
• Highway collisions. The report-content rules “do not apply” to motor vehicle collisions on a highway unless the worker was at a project or “was not travelling in the motor vehicle” (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents [ON], 2026, s. 2(2)). A firefighter struck while working on the roadway is in scope; how s. 51 treats occupants of an apparatus in a highway crash should be confirmed with the ministry.
• Paid-on-call members. They are workers for these duties; see J11 Volunteer Firefighters for unpaid volunteers.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act and regulation consolidated to 2026-10-20; WSIA consolidation read). The highway collision application is not confirmed.

Law. Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 62, 62.0.1, 78 and 90 (Act respecting occupational health and safety [QC], 2026, ss. 62, 78, 90); Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases, ss. 59, 60, 268, 269 and 280 (Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases [QC], 2026, ss. 59-60, 268-269, 280).

What must be covered.

• Serious events. The employer must inform the CNESST “by the most rapid means of communication, and, within 24 hours, make a written report to it” if an incident caused: the death of a worker; “the loss of a limb or of part of a limb, the total or partial loss of the use of a limb or a significant physical trauma”; “such serious injuries to two or more workers as probably to prevent them from performing their work for one working day”; or material damage of $150,000 or more (s. 62). The damage amount is indexed each 1 January (s. 62.0.1); the CNESST gives $215,749 for 2026 (CNESST, n.d.-a).
• Who else. The committee and the health and safety representative are informed, and a copy of the report goes without delay to them and to the certified union (s. 62).
• No-injury events. An explosion or collapse without injury is reportable only through the material damage threshold.
• Scene. “The scene of the incident must remain unchanged until it has been investigated by the inspector, except to prevent an aggravation of its consequences, or unless the inspector authorizes a change” (s. 62).
• Investigation. The committee receives accident notices and inquires into incidents “that have caused or could have caused a work accident or an occupational disease”, making recommendations to the employer and the CNESST (s. 78(9)), and keeps registers of accidents and near-accidents (s. 78(7)). The representative investigates such incidents and reports the result to the committee (s. 90(2)). No deadline is set.
• Compensation report. The employer pays the day of injury in full and 90 per cent of net wages for the next 14 days (ss. 59-60), then files its notice and refund claim within two days after the worker returns to work, if within 14 full days, or within two days after the 14th full day (ss. 268-269). Minor accidents that do not disable beyond the day are entered in a register the worker signs (s. 280).

Fire-service nuance.

• At a fire you are fighting. The damage limb concerns damage caused by the incident, such as a destroyed apparatus or equipment, not the property the department was called to protect (interpretation; confirm with the CNESST). Injuries to members at a fire are reportable on the s. 62 list like any other.
• Scene and inspection. The CNESST investigates firefighter deaths and serious injuries and can prohibit operations pending corrective action, so scene preservation and the department’s procedures and training records are central evidence.
• Part-time firefighters. They are workers, so these duties apply (J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (both Acts consolidated to 2026-08-12). The 2026 indexed damage amount comes from the CNESST; the fire-scene reading is interpretation.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 8.1 and 43 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NB], 1983, ss. 8.1, 43); Workers’ Compensation Act, s. 44 (Workers’ Compensation Act [NB], 1973, s. 44); Fire Prevention Act, ss. 7 and 7.1 (Fire Prevention Act [NB], 1973, ss. 7, 7.1).

What must be covered.

• Serious injuries and deaths, immediately. An injury resulting in loss of consciousness, amputation, a fracture other than to fingers or toes, a burn that requires medical attention, loss of vision in one or both eyes, a deep laceration, in-patient hospital admission, or death (s. 43(1)); the committee or representative is told immediately (s. 43(2)). Notice is by phone to 1 800 999-9775 (WorkSafeNB, n.d.-d).
• Injury or not, immediately. “An accidental explosion or an accidental exposure to a biological, chemical or physical agent … whether or not a person is injured”, and “a catastrophic event or a catastrophic equipment failure … that results, or could have resulted, in an injury” (s. 43(4)). Structural collapse is not named and falls under “catastrophic event”.
• Scene. Where there is serious injury or death, no one may disturb the scene except to attend to the injured or killed, prevent further injury or protect endangered property, unless an officer orders otherwise (s. 43(3)).
• Vehicles. Section 43 “does not apply to a place of employment that is a vehicle if the injury or accident occurs on a public road or highway” (s. 43(5)).
• Investigation. The written program, required at 20 or more employees, must provide for “prompt investigation of hazardous occurrences” and keep investigation records (s. 8.1(1)(e)-(f)). No deadline is set.
• Compensation report. Within three days of the injury, diagnosis or notice, on Form 67 (Workers’ Compensation Act [NB], 1973, s. 44(4.1)).

Fire-service nuance.

• At a fire you are fighting. An SCBA failure, a breached suit at a hazardous materials call or a needlestick fits “accidental exposure” or “catastrophic equipment failure”; ordinary smoke exposure with working PPE is the normal hazard of the work, not an accidental exposure (interpretation; confirm with WorkSafeNB). A collapse onto or beside crews is a catastrophic event that “could have resulted” in injury.
• Fire statute reports. The chief reports every call to the fire marshal within 14 days and any fire or explosion involving serious injury or death within 24 hours (FPA s. 7.1); a local assistant’s investigation report is due within six days (s. 7(3)).
• Apparatus collisions. Outside s. 43 on public roads, but still a Form 67 and an internal investigation.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (OHS Act consolidated to 2024-06-07; compensation Act to 2025-06-06; Fire Prevention Act to 2023-06-16). Line hours and the fire-scene reading are not confirmed.

Law. Workers Compensation Act, ss. 68 to 72, 149 and 150 (Workers Compensation Act [BC], 2019, ss. 68-72, 149-150); Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, ss. 31.7 and 31.8 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation [BC], 2026, ss. 31.7-31.8).

What must be covered.

• Deaths and serious injuries. The employer must “immediately notify the Board” of any accident that “resulted in serious injury to or the death of a worker” (s. 68(1)(a)). WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line, 1.888.621.7233, takes these reports 24 hours a day (WorkSafeBC, n.d.-b).
• No-injury events, also immediately. An accident that “involved a major structural failure or collapse of a building, bridge, tower, crane, hoist, temporary construction support system or excavation”, “the major release of a hazardous substance”, “a fire or explosion that had a potential for causing serious injury to a worker”, or an incident a regulation requires to be reported (s. 68(1)(b)-(e)).
• Scene. Unless an officer or peace officer directs otherwise, no one may disturb the scene of a reportable accident except to attend to persons injured or killed, prevent further injuries or death, or protect endangered property (s. 68(2)).
• What must be investigated. Every reportable accident; every injury needing medical treatment; and every incident with no injury, or only minor injury, that “had a potential for causing serious injury to a worker” (s. 69(1)). Vehicle accidents on a public street or highway are excluded (s. 69(2)).
• Who investigates. Persons knowledgeable about the type of work and, if reasonably available, with the participation of the employer or its representative and a worker representative (s. 70(1)). The employer makes witnesses available and records their contact details (s. 70(3)-(4)).
• Clocks. A preliminary investigation immediately, with a report completed within 48 hours and given to the joint committee or representative, or posted (s. 71(2)); interim corrective action without undue delay (s. 71(3)); a full investigation report to the Board and the committee within 30 days (s. 72).
• Compensation report. The employer reports an injury to WorkSafeBC within three days of it being reported or coming to the employer’s attention, and a death immediately (s. 150(1), (3)); the worker tells the employer as soon as practicable (s. 149(2)). This report is not notice under s. 68.

Fire-service nuance.

• Impound after a firefighter injury or close call. “If, in the course of an emergency incident, a firefighter suffers serious injury or death, or is involved in an accident involving a risk of serious injury or death, the senior firefighter present must immediately impound the protective and other equipment used by the firefighter and keep the equipment out of service until released by the Board” (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation [BC], 2026, s. 31.7).
• Defects. Structural failures or manufacturing defects found in firefighting vehicles, apparatus or other emergency equipment are reported to the Board without delay (s. 31.8).
• At a fire you are fighting. The fire you were called to is not, by itself, a reportable accident of your workplace. A member seriously injured or killed, a structural collapse where members are working, and a flashover, backdraft or explosion with the potential to seriously injure members are reportable immediately, and a close call with serious potential must be investigated under s. 69(1)(c) (interpretation; confirm the threshold with WorkSafeBC).
• Apparatus collisions. A crash on a public road is outside the statutory investigation duty but not outside the compensation report or the department’s own review.
• Volunteers and society brigades. Volunteer firefighters are workers, and since 2026-10-01 Part 31 reaches brigades run by a board, society or commission on behalf of a local government, so these duties apply to them (J11 Volunteer Firefighters).

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2026-10-13; Regulation to 2026-10-20; WorkSafeBC contact page read). How the s. 68 list applies to fires a department is fighting is interpretation.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 1, 8, 9, 28 and 29 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NU], 2021, ss. 1, 8-9, 28-29); Workers’ Compensation Act, s. 18 (Workers’ Compensation Act [NU], 2021, s. 18).

What must be covered.

• Same rules as the Northwest Territories, in identical sections. Accidents causing death, likely death or in-patient admission of 24 hours or more are reported as soon as reasonably possible (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NU], 2021, ss. 1, 8); dangerous occurrences, including structural collapse and “failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator”, are reported whether or not anyone is hurt (ss. 1, 9).
• How. The WSCC’s 24-hour line, 1-800-661-0792, then the Employer’s Report of Incident within three business days (WSCC, 2025b).
• Scene and investigation. A fatality scene is held for the safety officer (s. 29); serious injuries and dangerous occurrences are investigated jointly with the committee (s. 28).
• Compensation report. Within three days, including exposures to hazardous substances that could cause injury or disease in the future (Workers’ Compensation Act [NU], 2021, s. 18).

Fire-service nuance.

• As in the Northwest Territories: report exposures to the WSCC, treat an SCBA failure as a dangerous occurrence, and confirm with the WSCC how collapses at fires are to be reported.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Regulations official consolidation 2021-09-28 with the 2025 amendments read; compensation Act consolidation 2021-07-01).

Law. Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XV, ss. 15.2 to 15.11 (Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [CA], 2026, ss. 15.2-15.11); Canada Labour Code, s. 127 (Canada Labour Code [CA], 1985, s. 127); Government Employees Compensation Act, s. 4 (Government Employees Compensation Act [CA], 1985, s. 4).

What must be covered.

• 24-hour report. By telephone or fax to the Head of Compliance and Enforcement “as soon as feasible but not later than 24 hours” after becoming aware of a death, a disabling injury to two or more employees, the loss of a body member or its use, the permanent impairment of a body function, “an explosion”, damage to a boiler or pressure vessel resulting in fire or rupture, or damage to an elevating device that makes it unserviceable, or its free fall (s. 15.5). The Labour Program’s toll-free line, 1-800-641-4049, has 24-hour emergency service (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2025).
• Investigation. On any hazardous occurrence the employer appoints a qualified person to investigate, notifies the committee or representative, and takes preventive measures (s. 15.4(1)). For a motor vehicle accident on a public road investigated by police, the employer obtains the police report (s. 15.4(2)) and sends it to the Head within 14 days of receipt (s. 15.9).
• Written report (HOIR). Without delay to the committee and within 14 days to the Head where the investigation discloses a disabling injury; electric shock, a toxic atmosphere or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere causing loss of consciousness; “the implementation of rescue, revival or other similar emergency procedures”; or “a fire or an explosion” (s. 15.8).
• Records. Minor injuries are recorded (s. 15.7); the annual hazardous occurrence report is due by 1 March (s. 15.10); records are kept 10 years (s. 15.11). Harassment and violence occurrences follow their own regulation, not Part XV (s. 15.2(3)).
• Scene. After a death or serious injury no one may disturb the scene without the Head’s authorization except to “save a life, prevent injury or relieve human suffering”, “maintain an essential public service” or prevent unnecessary damage to property. Aircraft, vessel, rolling stock and pipeline occurrences investigated under federal transportation safety legislation, and motor vehicles on a public highway, are exempt (Canada Labour Code [CA], 1985, s. 127).
• Compensation. Federal employees claim at the rates and under the conditions of the province where they are usually employed, and the provincial board decides the claim (GECA s. 4), so the provincial employer report deadline applies.

Fire-service nuance.

• Airport and defence fire services. An aircraft accident a crew responds to is investigated under federal transportation safety law; the fire service’s own hazardous occurrences, such as a member who needs rescue or revival or a fire or explosion that affects members, need their own investigation and report (interpretation; confirm with the Labour Program).
• Rescue and revival. Any time a member is rescued or revived, a written report to the Head is due within 14 days.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Regulations and Code consolidated to 2026-09-30; compensation Act read). The application to aircraft responses is interpretation.