Incidents
Annual State of Safety 2024
Incidents
We investigate incidents to learn more about the factors that surround decisions and behaviours that may lead to technical failure or the potential for increased safety risk. We publish incident investigation summaries to document our findings across all technologies, excluding railways, and share this information to empower clients and the public alike to make better safety-minded decisions. In 2024, the number of incidents reported to us increased by 9%.
425
incidents reported in all technologies except railways
70
incident investigations published in 2024
Uncertified, Unqualified, Unsupervised: Consequences of Unsafe Work
Whether it’s a homeowner saving some money by doing the work themselves, or a contractor trying to complete the job as soon as possible, many incidents that we’ve investigated relate to uncertified equipment, unqualified workers and apprentice workers who did not have proper supervision. We’ve seen that cost cutting has its consequences.
In a recreational vehicle (RV) trailer explosion incident, the occupant installed a new propane cylinder and hose, making renovations to the trailer’s propane line and cutting it in two places. Propane leaked from the cut propane line, and when it contacted a source of ignition, likely from the stove being lit, an explosion occurred. The occupant sustained burns to their hands and face and the trailer was considered a total loss due to significant damage. The occupant was neither a certified gas fitter, nor a licensed gas contractor.
In a residential home, an owner looked into a burning rubber smell and found a receptacle burnt beyond repair. The receptacle was used for electric vehicle charging. Further investigation found that arcing and heat damage occurred following the improper use of aluminum conductors. The receptacle was incorrectly installed by an electrical contractor without an installation permit.
Further, a mobile trailer explosion occurred at a fruit orchard and processing facility, injuring a facilities manager and damaging the building. The trailer contained five gas-fueled clothing dryers. In 2019, the appliances were installed and converted from natural gas to propane by unqualified individuals who left appliance gas valves connections loose. At that time, the appliances were not connected to a fuel source and the trailer was stored for future use. In 2024, a licensed contractor sent an unsupervised apprentice plumber to finish connecting the appliances. The apprentice did not check for leaks downstream of the shut-off valves or purge the gas piping of air.
Our Approach to Incidents
Incidents involving work or equipment regulated by the Safety Standards Act are required to be reported to the appropriate safety manager at Technical Safety BC. We investigate many of these incidents to gain an understanding of safety hazards in BC and determine what actions can be taken to manage them.
We complete investigations on certain incidents reported to us in all technologies except for rail*. We investigate incidents reported to us when:
- Regulated work or regulated equipment is involved.
- Evidence is available to help determine causes and contributing factors.
- A learning opportunity exists to understand and document what caused the incident, and to inform prevention of similar incidents.
*Our railway team performs audits and investigations under the Railway Safety Act.
Incident Categories
Under Assessment | Still being assessed by Technical Safety BC and was not assigned to a category as of time of data collection. |
Insignificant | An incident that resulted with insignificant and/or insignificant equipment damage. |
Minor | An incident that resulted with minor injury and/or minor equipment damage. |
Moderate | An incident that resulted with moderate injury and/or equipment damage. |
Major | An incident that resulted with major injury and/or major equipment damage. |
Severe | An incident that resulted with a fatal injury and/or severe equipment damage. |
Incidents by Year in All Technologies
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Incidents by Year in All Technologies Except Railway
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