Transporting dangerous goods is an essential yet high-risk aspect of Canada's transportation system.
Whether hazardous chemicals, flammable liquids, or explosive materials are involved, ensuring the safe movement of these goods is critical to protecting lives, the environment, and infrastructure.
Accidents involving dangerous goods can lead to catastrophic outcomes, ranging from fires and explosions to long-lasting environmental damage.
Recent statistics from Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) highlight concerning trends in dangerous goods transportation accidents.
In 2022 alone, over 100 reported incidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials across Canada occurred, with a significant number of these accidents causing serious harm.
These incidents pose immediate threats to public safety and impact transportation companies' reputations and regulatory compliance.
Understanding these trends is key to improving safety measures and minimizing risks. By analyzing accident patterns and the factors contributing to these incidents, we can find areas where enhanced safety protocols are needed.
This blog will explore the latest dangerous goods transportation accident trends, offering insights from Transport Canada and TSB reports and outlining strategies to reduce the likelihood of these hazardous events.
Addressing these challenges and working towards safer transportation systems is essential for the safety of workers, communities, and the environment. Let's explore how data-driven insights can help prevent accidents in this crucial industry.
Current Landscape of Dangerous Goods Transportation

Transportation of dangerous goods is critical for safety and risk management in Canada. Dangerous goods are substances or materials that, when transported, can pose a significant risk to health, safety, property, or the environment.
These include flammable liquids, explosives, toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, and corrosive substances.
The safe transportation of these goods is regulated under various national and international guidelines, including the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and regulations in Canada designed to minimize risks during transit.
With the increased movement of hazardous materials across the country, ensuring safety in transportation has never been more critical.
Accidents or mishandling of dangerous goods can lead to severe consequences, including environmental contamination, public health risks, and even fatalities.
Therefore, regulations and industry standards focus heavily on the safe packaging, labeling, and handling of dangerous goods to minimize the risk of accidents.
In 2022, Transport Canada reported over 2,500 incidents involving dangerous goods across various transportation sectors. These incidents may involve minor spills or significant accidents with more serious consequences.
The transportation industry continues to refine its safety practices to reduce the number and impact of these accidents.
Modes of Transport

Dangerous goods are transported across several modes, each presenting unique risks and challenges. These modes include air, rail, marine, and pipeline transportation.
1. Air Transport
Airplanes are often used to transport time-sensitive dangerous goods, such as chemicals, for medical purposes.
However, the risks associated with air transport include the potential for cargo mishandling or accidents due to the hazardous nature of the goods.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has strict risk mitigation regulations. In 2021, Transport Canada reported over 150 dangerous goods incidents related to air transport, primarily related to improper packaging or documentation.
2. Rail Transport
Railways are another significant mode of transportation for bulk dangerous goods, particularly chemicals and flammable materials.
While rail transport is generally safe, derailments or accidents at crossings can result in severe consequences, as seen in the 2013 Lac-Mégantic tragedy.
In 2020, there were 136 rail-related incidents involving dangerous goods, with some incidents leading to hazardous spills.
3. Marine Transport
The marine industry is major in transporting dangerous goods internationally, including crude oil, chemicals, and other hazardous materials.
Marine accidents, though infrequent, can have devastating impacts due to the scale of spills and potential environmental damage.
In 2020, 21 incidents involving dangerous goods at sea in Canadian waters were reported, primarily related to cargo handling issues.
4. Pipeline Transport
Pipelines are used extensively to transport hazardous liquids, including oil and natural gas.
While considered one of the safest modes of transportation, pipeline failures, such as leaks or ruptures, can lead to disastrous consequences.
In 2021, there were 11 incidents involving pipelines and hazardous materials in Canada, mainly associated with leaks due to aging infrastructure.
Each mode of transport requires specific safety measures and regulatory compliance to ensure that dangerous goods are transported as safely as possible.
Understanding the risks and trends associated with each mode can help improve safety practices and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Accident Statistics Overview
According to the latest preliminary statistics from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) for 2022, accidents involving the transportation of dangerous goods have been trending below the five-year average across all modes of transport.
This is a positive sign, as it indicates that safety measures, regulatory compliance, and technological advancements are having a positive impact on reducing incidents.
However, the numbers still highlight ongoing risks, particularly in industries that handle hazardous materials requiring continual attention and improvement.
The 2023 statistics show that accidents involving dangerous goods were lower than in previous years. This reduction reflects improvements in industry practices, safety training, and the implementation of better monitoring systems.
For instance, the number of hazardous material-related incidents in rail transport dropped by 10% compared to the previous year. Marine and air transport also saw fewer incidents, continuing the downward trend.
While this is encouraging, it is essential to remember that accidents, even if fewer in number, can still have catastrophic outcomes when they do occur.
While the overall accident rates have decreased, the TSB data also highlights areas for further attention.
For example, although incidents in air transport have decreased, mislabeling or improper handling of dangerous goods remain concerns, contributing to potential safety hazards.
Similarly, while pipeline accidents are low, the consequences of spills or leaks can be particularly harmful to the environment.
While the 2023 statistics show a positive downward trend in the number of dangerous goods transportation accidents, significant work remains.
Continued focus on enhancing safety protocols, better training, and rigorous regulatory enforcement will be key to further reducing these numbers and ensuring that the transportation of hazardous materials is as safe as possible.
Accident Breakdown by Mode
In Canada, dangerous goods are transported through various modes, each with distinct safety risks.
Understanding the accident trends for each mode (air, marine, rail, pipeline, and road) is crucial to identifying areas for improvement in transportation safety protocols.
Below is a breakdown of accidents involving dangerous goods across each mode of transportation based on recent statistics from Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB).
1. Air Transportation

Due to the inherent risks involved, such as chemical spills, fires, and explosions, air transportation of dangerous goods has strict regulations.
Air transport accidents involving dangerous goods are relatively rare compared to other modes, but when they occur, the consequences can be severe.
According to the TSB's 2022 data, 11 air accidents involving dangerous goods were reported, a slight decrease from the previous year.
Most of these incidents were linked to improper labeling, packaging, and mishandling of hazardous materials during loading and unloading.
One notable trend is the increasing use of drones for transporting smaller quantities of dangerous goods, leading to new safety concerns and regulatory challenges.
While air transport continues to be one of the safest modes, continued attention to cargo handling and labeling remains critical in reducing accidents.
2. Marine Transportation

Marine transportation of dangerous goods presents significant risks due to the potential for spills, fires, and explosions, especially in cases of ship collisions or structural failures.
In 2022, there were 239 marine accidents reported in Canada, including some that involved dangerous goods. The numbers highlight the critical need for careful management of hazardous cargo at sea.
The most frequent incidents involved chemical spills and oil leaks, particularly in the Arctic and offshore drilling regions.
A key trend in marine transportation accidents has been increased incidents related to aging vessels and inadequate safety inspections.
Despite improvements in ship design and navigation technologies, stricter vessel maintenance schedules and effective risk management practices are still needed.
In response to these trends, Transport Canada has introduced stricter regulations and guidelines on marine safety, focusing on maintaining and inspecting vessels involved in hazardous material transportation.
3. Rail Transportation

Rail transportation of dangerous goods remains one of the highest-risk modes, especially with the increasing volume of crude oil and other hazardous materials transported by rail.
In 2022, there were 1235 rail accidents involving dangerous goods, a slight decline from the previous year but still higher than other modes. Many of these were linked to derailments, leaks, and explosions during transportation of flammable liquids and gases.
The highest-profile incident was a derailment in British Columbia involving several tanker cars carrying hazardous chemicals. Despite improvements in tank car design, accidents involving dangerous goods often lead to catastrophic consequences.
The TSB attributes many incidents to human error, mechanical failures, and inadequate safety training. Additionally, train collisions and track maintenance issues are ongoing concerns.
4. Pipeline Transportation

Pipeline transportation of dangerous goods is generally considered safe, but accidents can have catastrophic environmental and economic impacts.
The TSB received 68 reports of pipeline transportation occurrences in 2023, which is unchanged from 2022 and 33% below the average of 101 for the previous 10 years. These incidents mostly involved crude oil spills due to pipeline ruptures, often caused by corrosion or external damage.
A significant trend in pipeline safety has been the increasing implementation of monitoring technologies, such as automated leak detection systems, which have helped reduce the number of incidents.
However, pipeline safety still faces challenges related to aging infrastructure, external interference, and inadequate emergency response preparedness.
The government of Canada has responded by imposing stricter regulations on pipeline inspections and safety practices, focusing on minimizing the environmental impact of spills and leaks.
5. Road Transportation
Road transportation is Canada's most common mode for dangerous goods, accounting for approximately 70% of hazardous material shipments.
Crude petroleum oil, gasoline, and fuel oils are the most commonly transported goods. In 2022, 950 reported road accidents involving dangerous goods were reported, with 42 fatalities and 98 injuries.
While the overall number of accidents was lower than in previous years, this still represents a significant safety concern given the high volume of hazardous materials transported on Canadian roads.
Most road accidents involving dangerous goods are linked to truck collisions, improper cargo handling, or poor road conditions. One critical issue is the inadequate training of drivers transporting hazardous materials.
Despite regulations requiring specialized training, such as those set out by the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre (CANUTEC), some drivers are still not fully equipped to handle emergencies.
Another contributing factor is the rising number of accidents involving cargo spills or explosions due to traffic congestion and road maintenance issues.
While there have been positive trends across all modes of transportation for dangerous goods, challenges remain. Increased regulation, enhanced safety measures, and continued monitoring are essential to further reduce hazardous material transport risks.
By focusing on driver training, infrastructure improvements, and technological innovations, Canada can continue to enhance the safety of its dangerous goods transportation system.
Detailed Analysis of Dangerous Goods Incidents
Understanding the types of dangerous goods involved in transportation accidents is essential for assessing the risks and improving safety protocols.
Air, marine, rail, pipeline, and road transport are hazardous materials in Canada. These materials range from flammable liquids to toxic gases, each posing unique risks depending on their nature and transport mode.
Transport Canada's data provides valuable insights into the nature and frequency of these incidents, helping to identify trends and inform safety measures.
Types of Dangerous Goods Involved

Dangerous goods incidents in Canada typically involve chemicals, flammable liquids, gases, and radioactive materials. The most common hazardous materials involved in transportation accidents include:
Flammable Liquids
Crude oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel are frequently involved in road and rail accidents. If spilled or mishandled during transport, these substances pose significant fire and explosion risks.
In 2022, flammable liquids made up approximately 40% of all dangerous goods incidents reported by Transport Canada, with a large portion of these incidents occurring during rail and road transport.
1. Toxic Gases
Chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide are commonly transported by pipeline and rail.
These gases are particularly hazardous because if released into the environment, they can cause severe health risks, including respiratory issues or even death.
Approximately 15% of dangerous goods accidents involved toxic gases in 2022.
2. Corrosive Substances
These include sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, often transported by truck. When these materials spill, they can cause environmental damage and serious injury.
Accidents involving corrosive materials accounted for around 12% of all reported incidents in 2022.
3. Explosives
These materials, such as dynamite or fireworks, are transported in strict compliance with safety protocols. However, when mishandled, they can cause catastrophic accidents.
Explosives were involved in about 5% of the total dangerous goods accidents.
Release Locations and Damage Types
The locations where dangerous goods incidents occur are critical for understanding the risks and improving safety measures.
Based on Transport Canada's data, certain areas and environments tend to be more prone to hazardous material accidents, and the resulting damages can range from environmental contamination to infrastructure destruction.
- Release Locations: Roadways and rail tracks are the highest-risk locations for dangerous goods incidents. Road accidents involving hazardous materials typically occur on major highways or near urban areas where traffic congestion can increase the likelihood of a collision. Rail accidents, especially those involving derailments, tend to occur in remote areas, where quick emergency response can be challenging. Marine and pipeline incidents, while less frequent, can occur in environmentally sensitive areas such as near the coast or in the Arctic, where recovery efforts can be more difficult.
- Types of Damage: The damage resulting from dangerous goods incidents can vary significantly depending on the substance involved. For example:
- Fire and Explosion Damage: Flammable liquids often cause severe fires and explosions, especially in road and rail accidents. These can damage vehicles, infrastructure, and nearby properties extensively. In some cases, the fires can spread, causing widespread environmental damage.
- Environmental Damage: Spills of hazardous liquids or gases can lead to soil, water, and air contamination. Marine accidents, such as oil spills, are particularly damaging to aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. In some cases, cleanup costs can run into millions of dollars.
- Health Impacts: Toxic gas leaks, such as chlorine or ammonia releases, can cause health issues for nearby workers, residents, or emergency responders. The impact may range from short-term respiratory irritation to long-term health consequences or fatalities.
- Corrosive Damage: When substances like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid spill, they can damage vehicles, infrastructure, and the environment. These materials can corrode metal, concrete, and even human skin, leading to costly repairs and long-term environmental restoration efforts.
Analyzing the types of dangerous goods involved in accidents and the locations where these incidents occur is critical for improving safety practices and mitigating potential damage.
By identifying high-risk materials and areas, Canada can implement better training, regulations, and emergency response strategies to reduce accidents and minimize harm.
Factors Contributing to Accidents

The transportation of dangerous goods involves a range of factors that can contribute to accidents.
While regulations and safety protocols are critical for preventing incidents, the complexities of moving hazardous materials mean that multiple factors can influence the occurrence and severity of accidents.
Contributing Factors Analysis
Several key factors commonly contribute to dangerous goods transportation accidents in Canada.
- Human Error: A significant number of accidents involve human error, such as miscommunication, failure to follow procedures, or improper handling of hazardous materials. This can occur at various points in the supply chain, from loading to transport to unloading.
- Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning equipment, such as faulty tanks, leaking containers, or inadequate vehicle maintenance, is a major factor in dangerous goods accidents. For example, improper sealing of hazardous material containers during road transport can lead to spills or leaks, particularly in the case of volatile substances like gasoline or chemicals.
- Environmental Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or icy roads, can significantly impair visibility and vehicle handling. Transporting dangerous goods in such conditions can increase the risk of accidents. For example, a truck transporting flammable materials might lose control on a slick road, leading to a spill and fire.
- Improper Training and Certification: Lack of proper TDG training for those transporting hazardous goods can lead to accidents. Inadequate knowledge of safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and emergency response procedures can result in incidents that might otherwise have been preventable.
Emergency Response Measures
Emergency response measures are crucial to minimizing harm and preventing further damage in an accident involving dangerous goods.
- Emergency Response Personnel: Firefighters, emergency medical responders, and hazardous materials teams are trained to handle situations involving dangerous goods. These professionals are equipped with specialized gear such as protective suits, breathing apparatus, and spill containment equipment. They follow established protocols to contain spills, neutralize toxic substances, and rescue affected individuals.
- Coordinated Response: The involvement of multiple agencies, such as local fire departments, police, environmental protection agencies, and even national response teams, ensures a coordinated approach. This enables quick containment of hazardous spills, evacuation of affected areas, and protection of the environment and public health.
- Preparedness and Drills: Regular training exercises involving all stakeholders in transporting and handling dangerous goods are vital for ensuring an effective emergency response. These drills simulate potential accidents, allowing responders to practice their roles in a controlled setting. The Canadian government and industry stakeholders regularly review and update emergency response protocols to ensure they remain effective in dealing with emerging risks.
Regulatory Framework and Safety Measures
Canada has a robust regulatory framework for the transportation of dangerous goods. The primary legislation governing these practices is the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 (TDG Act), which aims to ensure the safety of people, property, and the environment by regulating the movement of hazardous materials.
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act: The TDG Act sets out strict regulations that require dangerous goods to be properly classified, marked, labeled, and packaged. It also mandates that individuals transporting dangerous goods undergo proper training and certification to ensure safe handling and transportation practices. The Act also outlines the responsibilities of carriers and shippers. It holds them accountable for ensuring the safe transport of hazardous materials.
- Regulations for Each Mode of Transport: Specific safety measures are outlined for each mode of transportation—whether by road, rail, marine, or air. For example, road transport of dangerous goods is regulated through the Canadian Road Transport Dangerous Goods Regulations, which require drivers to meet specific qualifications and training. Similarly, air and marine transport have their own regulatory frameworks that focus on preventing spills, leaks, or accidents that may occur during transit.
- International Compliance: Canada also complies with international safety standards and regulations, such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations. These global standards help ensure that Canada's practices align with international safety expectations, minimizing the risk of cross-border transportation incidents.
Improvements in Safety Protocols
In recent years, there have been significant improvements in safety protocols surrounding the transportation of dangerous goods.
- Enhanced Tracking and Monitoring: With technological advancements, GPS tracking and real-time monitoring systems have become more common in dangerous goods transport. This allows for immediate identification of incidents and provides emergency responders with essential information, such as the type of hazardous material involved, and the exact location of the incident.
- Better Packaging and Containment: New packaging and containment systems developments, such as more durable and secure containers, have been implemented to prevent leaks and spills. Improved labeling and hazard identification systems help ensure that hazardous materials are easily recognized and handled appropriately.
- Public Awareness and Reporting Systems: Efforts to raise awareness among the public and those involved in the transport of dangerous goods have been stepped up. There is now a greater emphasis on transparency, with better reporting systems in place to track and share information about incidents. This enables the public, as well as regulatory authorities, to respond more effectively and hold companies accountable for safety violations.
While Canada has made significant strides in improving transportation safety for dangerous goods, there is always room for improvement.
By continuing to invest in better safety protocols, stricter regulations, and more advanced technology, Canada can minimize the risks posed by dangerous goods and improve the safety of its transportation networks.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have explored dangerous goods transportation accident trends, covering various transportation modes such as air, marine, rail, pipeline, and road.
While accident rates are generally below the five-year average, certain modes, such as road transport, continue to see more incidents, mainly due to the volume of hazardous materials being moved.
We also discussed the factors contributing to accidents, from human error and equipment failure to environmental conditions and inadequate training.
Additionally, we highlighted the importance of emergency response measures and the regulatory framework that governs the safe transport of dangerous goods, such as the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and various international standards.
Staying informed about safety practices is crucial, as the transportation of hazardous materials involves risks that can affect workers, communities, and the environment.
Continuous improvement of safety protocols, better training, and the implementation of real-time monitoring technology play an essential role in reducing these risks.