Workers’ group calls for enhanced safety a year after woman’s death

A workers’ group is demanding better safety regulations at construction sites on the first anniversary of a fatal crane incident at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park development.

In a post to its website, the Workers’ United Front of Canada is calling for charges against the development’s prime contractor, EllisDon, and enhanced safety regulations at B.C. construction sites following Yuridia Flores’ death.

On Feb. 21, 2024, Flores, a mother of two, was killed when a crane’s load came crashing down and hit her at the construction site at Cambie and 41st Avenue. A GoFundMe set up in her name raised over $114,000 to transport Flores’ body back to Acapulco, Mexico.

Flores’ death was one of a series of concerning crane-related incidents that happened in 2024, which led WorkSafeBC to launch new safety regulations. These new regulations required employers to submit a “Notice of Project” (NOP) two weeks before any crane work began. The new regulations were specifically for tower crane operations.

Alexandra Skinner with WorkSafeBC says their thoughts and condolences go out to the family, co-workers, and friends affected by Flores’ death.

“It is the role of WorkSafeBC to investigate serious workplace incidents, and our incident investigation report into the tragic death of Yuridia Flores is nearing completion,” said Skinner.
“While the investigation report has not yet been released, any learnings that would improve workplace safety have been incorporated into our inspections, educational materials, and safety initiatives.”

In an email, Dustin Luchka with EllisDon says the safety of their workforce is their top priority and they continuously do comprehensive reviews of their safety systems to reduce risks.

“For [the Oakridge Park development] project, we have added additional safety personnel, enhanced assessment and training of crane operators and hoisting workers, and increased monitoring and verification of exclusions zones,” said Luchka.

In Flores’ honor, Luchka says a site-wide moment of silence was observed Friday afternoon.