Nearly three years to the date of a crane collapse in that killed five people at a 麻豆精选 construction site, WorkSafeBC (WSBC) is recommending changes to improve crane safety.
A WSBC report states there are more cranes in operation than ever before in the province, and the risks are increasing on worksites.
The report references the 麻豆精选 tragedy and several crane-related incidents that occurred this year, including a fatal incident in Vancouver that killed one worker.
In putting together the study, WSBC consulted 130 crane-sector stakeholders, and the BC Association for Crane Safety
鈥淔ollowing a comprehensive review of crane safety, and informed by stakeholder input and feedback, we鈥檝e developed a risk-reduction strategy with recommendations aimed at further improving tower crane safety in B.C.,鈥� said Todd McDonald, head of prevention services for WSBC.
Key recommendations include:
- Review 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鈥檚 specialized crane inspection team;
- Develop new regulations to address the frequency of tower crane inspections;
- Review and update the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations related to cranes and rigging;
- Ensure that the BC Association for Crane Safety is equipped to service and support workers and employers in the sector.
鈥淐rane safety is a priority for WorkSafeBC,鈥� McDonald added. 鈥淲ith 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.鈥�
WSBC will discuss the recommendations with the B.C. Ministry of Labour, and industry stakeholders.
Following a 2019 crane collapse in Seattle, Washington, WSBC conducted a review of tower crane incidents which led to new regulations and changes to its inspection approach.
The work was revisited following the catastrophic crane collapse in 麻豆精选 on July 12, 2021, resulting in new resources for industry, and new regulatory initiatives.
Recently, WSBC approved a Notice of Project-Tower Cranes regulation, which takes effect in October.
It requires an employer responsible for a tower crane activity at a workplace in B.C. to ensure WSBC receives written notice of project (NOP) at least two weeks before the crane activity starts.
This will inform WSBC of who is qualified to perform the work, and when, where, and how the work will take place.
In 2023, there were approximately 400 tower cranes operating in B.C. with WSBC conducting 1,200 inspections.
