Summary

• B.C. is introducing a mandatory crane licensing and permitting program through WorkSafeBC to strengthen safety oversight
• Seven fatalities involving cranes in the past five years prompted action to improve standards and accountability
• The new program is based on recommendations from members of the Province’s Crane Safety Table, convened by the Minister of Labour with industry, labour and technical experts to co-ordinate and accelerate action on improving safety

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The Province is taking action to strengthen protections for workers and enhance crane safety with legislation enabling a new WorkSafeBC crane licensing and permitting program.

“Major nation-building projects are moving forward in B.C. and the people who build them must have the best level of safety we can provide,” said Premier David Eby. “British Columbia will be a leader in crane safety - with the highest standards of training, certification, technology and oversight – to protect workers and the public on every project, every time.”

Crane safety concerns

During the past five years, safety incidents involving cranes in B.C. have claimed the lives of seven workers. These fatal accidents have highlighted ongoing safety risks at worksites and underscore the need for stronger oversight and improved safety practices across the sector.

“The workers who were killed because of catastrophic crane-related safety failures are deeply missed by their families and communities every day,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour. “They deserve our commitment and action to ensure that every worker in British Columbia can come home safe at the end of their shift.”

Crane Safety Table

In June 2025, the Minister of Labour established the Crane Safety Table, bringing together regulators, industry leaders, labour representatives and technical experts to identify necessary measures to reduce risks and improve crane safety. Through this collaborative process, licensing and permitting were identified as crucial steps toward closing a gap in crane health and safety standards.

“Licensing and permitting are proven tools for reducing risks in high-hazard industries,” said Bryan Railton, business manager, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115. “By ensuring that only qualified employers oversee crane work and operations, we can continue to help reduce the risk of catastrophic failures before they happen.”

Building on this expert advice, the Province will introduce a new WorkSafeBC crane licensing and permitting program designed to ensure those overseeing crane work meet consistent, high-quality safety requirements.

Safety gaps

Crane operation is high-risk work with significant safety hazards, meaning failures can have catastrophic consequences.

“It is important that we take meaningful measures to help prevent tragedies before they occur,” said Clinton Connell, executive director, BC Crane Safety Association. “This includes ensuring equipment is operated by people with proper training and experience. Licensing and permitting frameworks are a practical way to manage accountability and shared responsibilities within the industry.”

More cranes are in operation than ever before in British Columbia. In 2021, there were 261 active tower cranes on worksites in B.C. That number increased to a five-year high of 409 cranes in 2024. Currently, 373 cranes are operating in the province. In comparison, there are 106 active tower cranes in Toronto, and a combined total of 127 tower cranes operating in 11 major U.S. cities.

Workers who operate cranes in B.C. must be certified and registered with an oversight body, while others responsible for cranes (for example, those who own, maintain, repair, move, erect, disassemble or are otherwise responsible for cranes) are not required to be certified, registered or licensed.

The steps taken on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to strengthen oversight and safety practices respond to this gap and build on the Province’s landmark investments in 2025 to double trades-training funding. As part of this investment, skilled-trades certification will be advanced for crane operators, among others.

Working people are at the heart of B.C.’s economy. This action is part of B.C.’s plan to build a stronger economy that is founded on safe work and delivers good jobs and opportunities.