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According to WorkSafeBC, the agency responsible for workplace safety in British Columbia, there were 46 serious injuries involving cranes in the province in 2021, up from 33 in 2020. There were also two crane-related deaths in 2021, including Cailen Vilness.
Crane safety has been a concern in British Columbia for years, with several high-profile incidents drawing attention to the issue. In 2007, a crane collapsed in downtown Vancouver, killing four people. In 2019, a crane toppled onto a downtown Seattle street, killing four people and injuring several others.
“Crane accidents are devastating and can have far-reaching consequences for workers, their families, and the community,” said a spokesperson for WorkSafeBC. “We are committed to working with employers, workers, and other stakeholders to prevent future incidents and ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.”
While the cause of the recent crane accidents in Metro Vancouver is still under investigation, experts point to a number of factors that can contribute to crane incidents, including improper assembly and maintenance, poor weather conditions, and human error.
“Crane safety is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach,” said a spokesperson for the Crane Rental Association of Canada. “It’s not just about following the rules and regulations; it’s about creating a culture of safety within the industry and ensuring that everyone involved in crane operations is properly trained and equipped to do their job safely.”
As the investigation into the recent crane accidents continues, Chris Vilness is urging the government to take action to prevent future tragedies.
“We can’t bring back the workers who have lost their lives in these accidents, but we can work together to ensure that no other families have to go through the pain and suffering that we have experienced,” he said.
“I hope that the government will listen to our concerns and take concrete steps to improve crane safety in British Columbia. The lives of workers are at stake, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.”
For now, Vilness is focused on honoring the memory of his son and advocating for safer working conditions for crane workers across the province.
“Cailen was a hard-working and dedicated young man who had his whole life ahead of him,” Vilness said. “He didn’t deserve to die in such a senseless and preventable accident. We owe it to him and to all the other workers who have lost their lives in crane accidents to do everything we can to prevent future tragedies.”
Regulatory Decisions Urgently Needed for Crane Industry, Say Experts
VANCOUVER, BC – In light of recent crane accidents in British Columbia, industry experts are calling for immediate regulatory decisions to improve safety standards in the crane industry. The call comes after three separate incidents involving crane towers occurred within a month, raising concerns about the safety of high-risk work environments.
“I would love to see some regulatory decisions made for the crane industry or any industry that has high-risk work,” said Vilness, a concerned citizen.
Josh Towsley, an assistant business manager at the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 115, expressed his worries about the recent crane incidents. “I think it speaks to the fact that the safety regime in tower cranes isn’t where we need it to be and where the public would expect it to be,” said Towsley.
The incidents in Burnaby and Surrey prompted WorkSafeBC, the provincial compensation and safety authority, to launch investigations into the causes. The halt of operations at the Oakridge site, where one of the incidents occurred, has affected around 1,700 construction workers.
According to WorkSafeBC, there have been 22 incidents involving tower cranes in B.C. from 2019 to 2023, highlighting the need for stricter safety regulations. B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains emphasized the importance of workplace safety in light of the recent crane accidents.
“It is heartbreaking that three incidents involving tower cranes happened in the first few months of this year. … I certainly believe that all accidents, workplace incidents, are preventable, injuries and deaths are preventable,” said Bains.
Bains announced that WorkSafeBC and B.C. Crane Safety will convene stakeholders to address gaps in crane tower training and propose regulatory changes. Towsley stressed the importance of enforcing existing regulations and developing new rules, especially concerning the erection and dismantling of tower cranes.
In B.C., all crane operators must have a valid operator’s certificate, but dismantling a crane does not require one, leading to concerns about licensing standards. Towsley called for industry collaboration to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
Vilness, who lost his son in a crane accident, emphasized the need for proper training and standards in crane operations to prevent future tragedies. He urged the industry to come together to implement necessary measures for safety.
The recent incidents have sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations and better enforcement in the crane industry. The tragic loss of lives has highlighted the urgency of improving safety standards to prevent future accidents.
The Tragic Loss of a Hard-Working Mother from Mexico in Vancouver Crane Accident
It is with heavy hearts that we report the tragic loss of a hard-working mother of two from Mexico in a fatal crane accident in Vancouver. The victim, who worked as a general labourer, has been identified as a dedicated worker who was known for her strong work ethic and commitment to providing for her family.
The incident occurred at a construction site in Vancouver, where a massive redevelopment project was underway. The mother of two, originally from Mexico, was working as a general labourer at the site when the crane accident took place, resulting in her untimely death.
Emergency crews responded to the scene of the crane mishap at Cambie and 41st, where the massive redevelopment of Oakridge Centre was taking place. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to save the victim, who tragically lost her life in the accident.
The union representing trades workers in British Columbia has called for better training and safety measures in the wake of this tragic incident. They are advocating for improved protocols to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future and to ensure the safety of workers in the construction industry.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time. The loss of a hard-working mother from Mexico has left a void in the community, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew her.
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