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WorkSafeBC investigating fourth Metro Vancouver crane incident of 2024

VANCOUVER – WorkSafeBC has met with employers and the local crane operator union following a tower crane incident that occurred on Monday, March 4; marking the fourth of these incidents to occur in the Metro Vancouver Area this year.

The site of the incident, located on the 2600-block of Victoria Drive, was visited on Monday afternoon by a WorkSafeBC prevention officer and engineer, with stop-use orders put in place for the crane and part of the worksite.

No injuries were reported as a result of this incident, with WorkSafeBC stating that there is little similarity across the previous crane incidents from this year.

“Multiple incidents involving cranes demonstrate that workplace safety can never be taken for granted,” said Todd McDonald, head of prevention services with WorkSafeBC, in a statement. “While each of the recent incidents appears to be unique, employers are reminded of the need to be vigilant in ensuring the maintenance of their equipment and the safe working procedures of their staff.”

The organization held a meeting with crane employers and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 115 on Tuesday to discuss potential regulatory changes to aid in curbing these incidents. Proposed requirements include submissions of project notices from businesses that detail how cranes will be installed, climbed, repositioned and dismantled.

Another meeting on this topic is planned to occur with industry stakeholders later this month, according to WorkSafeBC.