Ensuring tower crane safety
On Saturday April 27, 2019, a tower crane being dismantled in Seattle’s core collapsed onto a public street. Tragically, four people were killed and more were injured. This event is a stark reminder of the catastrophic risk and devastating consequences when something goes wrong involving a tower crane.
To ensure a similar tragedy does not happen in our province, WorkSafeBC is reminding all crane owners, erectors, operators, and maintenance personnel to review their own procedures for all aspects of tower-crane operation.
With an estimated 300 tower cranes currently erected throughout B.C., our team of crane officers is focused on the safety plans and procedures for placement, erection, operation, dismantling, and proper inspection and maintenance of tower cranes, as well as the qualifications of certified operators. The team is also looking at standards, rigger qualifications, and below-the-hook lifting device design and documentation.
Owners, prime contractors, and employers are ultimately responsible for the safety of their worksites, both for their workers and for members of the public. It is critical to ensure manufacturer’s specifications are adhered to, safe work procedures are followed, and Part 14 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation is complied with.