Published by WorkSafe BC on: June 18, 2024
New risk-reduction strategy is based on a comprehensive review of crane safety and informed by stakeholder input and feedback.
WorkSafeBC says the risks associated with cranes in B.C. are increasing as more cranes are in operation than ever before, and this work is taking place on increasingly complex, multi-employer worksites.
In 2021, a tower crane collapse in Kelowna took the lives of five workers, and earlier this year, several crane-related incidents occurred, including a fatal incident at the Oakridge Park worksite that claimed the life of a worker.
In March of this year, WorkSafeBC brought together 130 crane-sector stakeholders, including labour representatives, tower crane operators, employers, prime contractors, rental companies, and the BC Association for Crane Safety to identify and address gaps in crane safety.
“Following a comprehensive review of crane safety, and informed by stakeholder input and feedback, we’ve developed a risk-reduction strategy with recommendations aimed at further improving tower crane safety in B.C.,” said Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services for WorkSafeBC.
Key recommendations include:
- Review the existing crane operator certification program to ensure it supports safe work.
- Explore how to improve the training and skills of supervisors, riggers and workers involved in the assembly, operation, disassembly or repositioning of cranes.
- Review options for employers responsible for the assembly, operation, disassembly or repositioning of tower cranes, including registration and licensing.
- Increase the staffing and capacity of WorkSafeBC’s specialized crane inspection team.
- Develop new regulations to address the frequency of tower crane inspections.
- Review and update the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation — including regulations related to cranes and rigging — to ensure they meet the needs of increasingly complex worksites.
- Ensure that the BC Association for Crane Safety is equipped to service and support workers and employers in the sector.
WorkSafeBC is also continuing implement changes already underway as part of its crane safety initiative, which aims to identify and eliminate unsafe work practices and equipment hazards that have the potential to cause death, serious injury and/or catastrophic failure.
“Crane safety is a priority for WorkSafeBC,” said McDonald. “With a greater number of cranes operating in increasingly complex worksites, we need to ensure that employers provide the training, supervision and safe-work practices needed to keep workers safe in an evolving work environment.”
My opinion
The changes for tower crane and mobile crane training and supervisory oversight, are necessary since there are too many recent accidents happening on the BC job site.
They should ensure they comply with CAN/CSA Z150 for Tower Cranes and CAN/CSA Z248 for Mobile Cranes.
Ontario has had updated requirements for Tower Crane and Mobile Crane (over 8 tons) for quite a while now. Still, accidents happen, and, with most cranes, the accidents contribute to critical injuries or death.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.
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