�ȵ����

VICTORIA — The Province of B.C. recently announced it has introduced legislation that enables a new WorkSafeBC crane licensing and permitting program.

“Major nation-building projects are moving forward in B.C. and the people who build them must have the best level of safety we can provide,” said Premier David Eby in a statement. “British Columbia will be a leader in crane safety – with the highest standards of training, certification, technology and oversight – to protect workers and the public on every project, every time.”

According to a press release, over the past five years, safety incidents involving cranes in B.C. have claimed the lives of seven workers.

“The workers who were killed because of catastrophic crane-related safety failures are deeply missed by their families and communities every day,” said Jennifer Whiteside, minister of labour. “They deserve our commitment and action to ensure that every worker in British Columbia can come home safe at the end of their shift.”

Workers who operate cranes in B.C. must be certified and registered with an oversight body, while others responsible for cranes (for example, those who own, maintain, repair, move, erect, disassemble or are otherwise responsible for cranes) are not required to be certified, registered or licensed, the release notes.

News of this program follows a June 2025 Crane Safety Table that brought together regulators, industry leaders, labour representatives and technical experts to identify necessary measures to reduce risks and improve crane safety.

“Licensing and permitting are proven tools for reducing risks in high-hazard industries,” said Bryan Railton, business manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115. “By ensuring that only qualified employers oversee crane work and operations, we can continue to help reduce the risk of catastrophic failures before they happen.”

The release states more cranes are in operation than ever before in British Columbia. In 2021, there were 261 active tower cranes on worksites. That number increased to a five-year high of 409 cranes in 2024. 

Currently, 373 cranes are operating. In comparison, there are 106 active tower cranes in Toronto, and a combined total of 127 tower cranes operating in 11 major U.S. cities.

“It is important that we take meaningful measures to help prevent tragedies before they occur,” added Clinton Connell, executive director of the BC Crane Safety Association. “This includes ensuring equipment is operated by people with proper training and experience. Licensing and permitting frameworks are a practical way to manage accountability and shared responsibilities within the industry.”