One year after a new tower crane regulation came into effect, WorkSafeBC is reporting good compliance across tower crane operations in B.C., although risks remain.

Since Oct. 1, 2024, employers have been required to submit a Notice of Project (NOP) to WorkSafeBC at least two weeks before any tower crane work begins, including assembly, climbing, repositioning, or dismantling. The NOP–Tower Crane requirements enable WorkSafeBC to understand who will perform the work, and when, where, and how it will be carried out.

Among the information that must be confirmed in the NOP–Tower Crane regulation are names of all employers responsible for the crane activity, the nature and scope of the crane activity, safe-work procedures specific to the workplace, the qualifications of the qualified supervisor, and identification information for the tower crane.

The NOP provides WorkSafeBC with more precise information on tower crane activities in B.C., helping guide its inspectional approach, enhancing safety efforts, and facilitating engagement before the work begins.

In its first year, WorkSafeBC received more than 900 NOP–Tower Crane submissions. WorkSafeBC is continuing to work with employers to ensure that submissions include the right planning and safety information. Where employer NOP submissions are incomplete or reveal gaps in risk controls, WorkSafeBC officers follow up with inspections, as appropriate.

Crane safety strategy

The NOP–Tower Crane regulation is part of an enhanced crane safety strategy by WorkSafeBC.

Following several crane-related incidents in early 2024, including a fatality at the Oakridge Park construction site in Vancouver, WorkSafeBC conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of crane safety in B.C. As part of this review, WorkSafeBC brought together approximately 150 stakeholders in the crane sector, 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.

WorkSafeBC concluded that 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.

As part of the crane strategy, risks are being addressed through a number of mechanisms, including reviewing and refining crane and rigging regulations; strengthening operator certification; enhancing inspection requirements; expanding inspection capacity and expertise; elevating workforce training and skills; and supporting the BC Association for Crane Safety in delivering certification and employer/worker support.

Inspectional data is used to identify emerging risks and inform regulatory updates. In 2024, the crane inspection team conducted more than 1,500 inspections across B.C. and issued over 800 orders, including 75 stop-use orders and 36 stop-work orders.

Resources

For more information visit: WorkSafeBC