Audit & Compliance
Resolutions and reports
Incident Reports
Incident reporting, assessment and mitigation are a vital element of creating and enhancing the safety of GWO training. To promote good practices and learning GWO publishes its incident reports once investigations are complete. These are published anonymously to encourage collective learning and the sharing of experiences and mitigating actions across the training community. For the GWO Secretariat incident reporting directly feeds into the review and maintenance of GWO standards contributing to the development of safer training.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Case number:
2919231123
Download PDF
.svg)
Module
-
BST-R Working at Heights Refresher
Version
-
V19
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
May 12, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
During the evacuation exercise using the evacuation device in active mode, some of the course participant's hair which was not correctly secured in a cap was tangled in the mechanism. The participant stopped the descent, and the hair was cut to free them. Swelling on the scalp was cleaned and treated.
Mitigation action
-
A more robust cap will be used to secure hair, and the instructors will check more closely for objects which can become tangled. Backup will be changed to a manual descender, so the instructor has more control.
Case number:
2897632224
Download PDF
Module
-
BST Working at Heights
Version
-
V19
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
May 6, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
During an active rescue training exercise, a course participant operated a descender device. Due to tension and insufficient familiarity with the operation, the participant incorrectly released the brake using both hands at the same time. This resulted in a momentary loss of breaking control, causing the rope to move rapidly. The course participant’s left little finger was caught in the moving rope which resulted in a minor abrasion.
Mitigation action
-
A process will be introduced requiring course participants to practice complete brake release and hand control movements on the ground before performing actual descents. Supervision will be increased, particularly during motion transitions and critical operational stages, providing real-time intervention and corrective guidance.
Case number:
2882980199
Download PDF
Module
-
BST Working at Heights
Version
-
V19
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
April 28, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
During the two-rescuer evacuation practical exercise, a course participant handled the fall arrest device incorrectly. The rope running through the fall arrest device became misaligned. The fall arrest device was activated. The wide-opening carabiners were under strain, which caused contact with the base of the course participant’s neck.
Mitigation action
-
The instructor must remind course participants of best practices. In this instance, the instructor had a discussion with the course participant about the incident and then shared the experience and reminder with the other participants.
Case number:
2873406868
Download PDF
Module
-
BST Working at Heights
Version
-
V19
Incident Significance
Near miss
-
incident date
April 23, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
During a double evacuation exercise, the course participant did not attach themselves to the rescue device that they were supposed to operate with their restraint lanyard during emergency decent. Instead, the participant only attached to the backup device. The instructor´s attention was focused on the backup device rather than the rescue device that the participant was meant to operate. No injuries occurred.
Mitigation action
-
Avoid merging two teams and instead use separate training facilities when two teams are present. Instructors will place increased emphasis on correct attachment, when it is the course participants' responsibility to perform the attachment. Conduct a workshop for instructors focusing on correct procedure.
Case number:
2861531619
Download PDF
Module
-
BST Fire Awareness
Version
-
V19
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
April 20, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
The participant sustained a superficial burn to the lower lip while carrying out a practical fire blanket application exercise when flames breached the fire blanket. Despite proper PPE, the lower lip remained exposed and was burned.
Mitigation action
-
Instructors will reinforce proper technique for fire suppression with a blanket, gas fuel level will be strictly monitored, blankets will be regularly inspected, instructors will increase supervision level during live fire exercises.
Case number:
2844453839
Download PDF
Module
-
BST Working at Heights
Version
-
V20
Incident Significance
Near miss
-
incident date
April 15, 2026
-
training setting
-
Onsite
Summary
-
A participant was descending during a rescue when the self-retracting lifeline (SRL) reached its maximum length. The participant was instructed to safely connect to the fixed ladder system. They then continued their descent using a double lanyard system with the retractable lanyard serving as a secondary backup. The situation was controlled without any injury, and the participant was able to safely complete the exercise and finish the course.
Mitigation action
-
A review of the setup and equipment selection was conducted. To prevent recurrence, corrective measures include ensuring that the correct length of SRL is selected based on the height of the structure prior to starting the task, along with reinforcing pre-use checks and verification of the setup.
Case number:
2821504014
Download PDF
Module
-
BST Fire Awareness
Version
-
V19
Incident Significance
Near miss
-
incident date
April 3, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
During a fire escape exercise in limited vision conditions, two participants bumped into each other. One hit their lip which rubbed against their teeth causing an abrasion. The participant informed the instructor who called for an immediate stop to assess the situation. No first aid was needed.
Mitigation action
-
Discussion held on rushing, communication amongst the team and ensuring safety is kept in mind.
Case number:
2789718737
Download PDF
Module
-
Blade Repair
Version
-
V5
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
March 18, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
While wearing an air-fed respirator hood, a participant complained of having something in their eye. The instructor stopped all training and provided initial first aid, including a visual check of the eye. No foreign objects were visible, but due to ongoing pain the instructor decided to flush the eye using eye wash. After this, the participant said the pain was relieved, and no further symptoms were reported. The participant returned to training after a short rest.
Mitigation action
-
Stocks of protective bags/containers for PPE to be stored in are to be checked, and more purchased if required. Bio-friendly wipes to use to clean PPE of any contaminants such as dust before use of the equipment are to be purchased. Relevant training, risk assessments and work instructions will be updated to reflect the hazard and the control measures to be implemented.
Case number:
2792544382
Download PDF
Module
-
EFA Enhanced First Aid
Version
-
V6
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
March 16, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
A participant suffered loss of consciousness during a display of internal bleeding. Instructors immediately provided medical assistance. Once the participant regained consciousness, the instructors began a medical assessment. During this evaluation, the participant fainted again, prompting the instructors to call for an ambulance. The ambulance crew performed a comprehensive check and determined that the participant was fit to remain onsite.
Mitigation action
-
The verbal screening process will explicitly state that disclosing phobias is a safety requirement. Instructors are required to perform a mandatory verbal "Fit to Train" verification before training. All staff and instructors have been trained to identify the early physiological symptoms of syncope to allow for immediate intervention before a loss of consciousness occurs. Instructors will provide a clear verbal warning before displaying graphic medical images during theoretical sessions.
Case number:
2774745790
Download PDF
Module
-
BST Working at Heights
Version
-
V19
Incident Significance
Medical treatment
-
incident date
March 11, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
After donning PPE for the practical exercises, the participant collapsed and began to display seizure activity. Instructors activated emergency response protocol and ensured the participant was supported until emergency services arrived to transport the participant for further assessment.
Mitigation action
-
Due to the unforeseeable nature of the incident and sufficient response, no mitigation was needed.
Case number:
2762815767
Download PDF
Module
-
ART Nacelle, Tower & Basement Rescue
Version
-
V5
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
March 5, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
Course participant experienced lower back pain while performing an exercise that involved maneuvering a manikin through the mock nacelle. The instructor called a halt to the exercise. Immediate first aid included rest and cooling of the injured area. Pain decreased shortly thereafter.
Mitigation action
-
The requirement for thorough warm up prior to all training exercises has been reinforced.
Case number:
2751313161
Download PDF
Module
-
ART Nacelle, Tower & Basement Rescue
Version
-
V5
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
February 27, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
During nacelle rescue training, the injured course participant from incident ref. 2751324167 was wearing mechanics gloves. While attempting to open the hatch, they lost their grip, resulting in their left middle finger being pinched and sustaining a minor scratch.
Mitigation action
-
First aid was applied. Stop work was initiated to discuss the injury with all course participants. Discussion was held on how to prevent the issue, which led to a conversation on the effect of rushing and the importance of staying present during an exercise, with the expectation that everyone takes the time needed to complete it safely.
Case number:
2751324167
Download PDF
Module
-
ART Nacelle, Tower & Basement Rescue
Version
-
V5
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
February 27, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
During rescue training, a course participant was raised as a victim through a tight area when they complained of pressure on one hand as it was pushed against one of the walls. The victim´s hands had been strapped in to manage the transition through the small space. The other participants readjusted the victim´s hand position, and the rescue continued. Later, the course participant complained of pain in the hand.
Mitigation action
-
An immediate stop work was called. Workplace medical was called to assess whether the participant required additional review through urgent care, however, it was deemed not necessary. The participants performing the rescue brought up that they were more focused on completing the exercise rather than properly managing the victim's transition.
Case number:
2730664571
Download PDF
Module
-
ART Nacelle, Tower and Basement Rescue
Version
-
V5
Incident Significance
First aid
-
incident date
February 17, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
A participant was descending on a PDQ self-rescue kit and got their backup rope caught under their arm. While trying to move the rope, the participant let go of the tail rope/control rope coming out of the descender but did not let go of the descender handle. This caused them to descend rapidly approx. 1 foot until they let go of the handle, at which point they swung into the side of the training structure and struck their face against the descender causing a laceration to their face.
Mitigation action
-
The friction carabiner arrangement has been modified to keep the participant’s control hand in the correct low operating position. The training setup will be revised to ensure the backup device remains in the correct position prior to descent. The rope rigging location has been changed so that any pendulum movement under load directs the participant away from the training structure.
Case number:
2742875708
Download PDF
Module
-
BST Working at Heights
Version
-
V19
Incident Significance
Significant near-miss
-
incident date
February 17, 2026
-
training setting
-
Fixed
Summary
-
During the descent exercise, the course participant used improper hand placement on the descender causing a rapid descent and jam of the self-retracting reel. The speed and force were not sufficient to trigger the energy absorber or fall indicator, and the participant was not harmed. The mechanism was released and the participant continued the descent.
Mitigation action
-
An additional training exercise will be incorporated to prevent uncontrolled descent. The equipment manufacturer was given feedback on the design.
There are currently no incidents matching your search. Please edit your search.