BC crane insider speaks about training, certification

After a number of serious safety incidents involving tower cranes in B.C., including one that claimed a life Wednesday, an industry insider is speaking out about what they consider a “flaw” in new operators are certified and trained.

The insider, who does not want to be identified, says it doesn’t take much to obtain a provisional ticket and get behind the controls of the heavy machinery.

The Leader Spirit has learned the fatal crane incident at a Vancouver worksite on Feb. 21 involved a full-scope operator who had been certified since 2015. However, the source says there are wider risks related to new operators in the industry.

Provisional certification through BC Crane Safety is granted after passing an online test, which can be taken at home, without any supervision.

The insider approached The Leader Spirit to say that should raise red flags, noting any would-be crane operator could be coached through the test or Google the answers with no oversight.

The source says it’s then up to the employer to provide on-the-job training. They add, employers may not have the right credentials to train new operators, and regulators don’t monitor education programs to ensure they’re done properly.

They say for every fully certified operator in B.C., there are 20 provisional operators, who have three years before they need full testing and certification. With a shortage of crane operators, the industry insider claims employers are taking advantage of provisional workers.

They call it a “license to kill.” They claim, in their experience, half of these new crane operators are in seats with little to no training, many making simple mistakes.

The solution, they believe, is to require proper practical training, accredited by a third party, not employers.

The insider’s calls come after three incidents involving cranes in the first two months of 2024, with WorkSafeBC called in to investigate the circumstances.

WorkSafeBC said Thursday that the recent incidents don’t appear to be related, however, it is reminding employers of the need to be “vigilant” in ensuring a safe working environment.