WorkSafeBC crane safety, emergency planning amendments approved

VANCOUVER – WorkSafeBC has approved several amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Regulation that focus on tower cranes and emergency planning.

The emergency planning amendments will come into effect Feb. 3, 2025, and the tower crane amendments are in effect as of Oct. 1.

Highlights of the changes include that a qualified supervisor must verify the crane has been erected, climbed or repositioned according to (a) the manufacturer’s specifications, or (b) the specifications of a professional engineer, if the engineer has authorized the crane to be erected, climbed or repositioned otherwise. Previously, the erector of the tower crane could make this verification.

If the climbing or repositioning of a tower crane affects any connections, bracing or shoring certified by a professional engineer before the tower crane is put into service, a professional engineer must certify that (a) any parts of the tower crane affected by the climbing or repositioning have been properly installed, and (b) the connections to and any bracing or shoring of the building or structure supporting the tower crane are in place, the amendment said.

Previously the amendment had stated that before a tower crane, other than a self-erecting tower crane, is put in service after its mast has been repositioned, a professional engineer must certify that the parts of the crane affected by the repositioning process have been properly installed and any required reshoring for, and bracing to, the supporting structure is in place.

Both the Emergency Planning and Notice of Project — Tower Crane documents are available for review.