‘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’
British Columbia is moving to introduce mandatory licensing and permitting for crane work under WorkSafeBC, in what observers say is the most significant expansion of crane safety oversight since a series of high‑profile incidents and regulatory reforms began in 2021.
The province says forthcoming legislation will enable a WorkSafeBC‑administered crane licensing and permitting framework intended to strengthen protections for workers and improve the consistency of safety standards across high‑risk crane operations.
“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,” Premier David Eby said in a provincial news release. “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.”
The new licensing and permitting regime stems from recommendations by the Crane Safety Table, a provincial forum established in June 2025. The group brought together regulators, industry representatives, labour and technical experts to identify measures to reduce risk and improve crane safety, and identified licensing and permitting as key steps to closing what the government describes as a gap in standards for those who oversee or are otherwise responsible for cranes.
The move builds on measures previously reported by Canadian Occupational Safety, including WorkSafeBC’s Notice of Project – Tower Crane (NOP‑TC) requirement, which took effect on Oct. 1, 2024, as part of changes to Part 14 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. That rule compels employers to file detailed notices at least two weeks before tower crane assembly, climbing, repositioning or dismantling, outlining who is responsible for the work, site‑specific safe‑work procedures and supervisory qualifications.
The NOP‑Tower Crane rule was introduced as one element of a wider crane safety strategy developed after several serious crane‑related incidents in early 2024, including a fatal incident at the Oakridge Park construction site in Vancouver. WorkSafeBC undertook a comprehensive review of crane operations and convened about 150 stakeholders from across the sector, including labour representatives, operators, employers, prime contractors, rental companies, and the BC Association for Crane Safety.
WorkSafeBC has reported strong uptake of the NOP‑TC rule, with more than 900 notices submitted in the first year. In 2024, its crane inspection team conducted more than 1,500 inspections and issued over 800 orders, including dozens of stop‑use and stop‑work orders related to crane operations. Prevention leaders told COS that the notice system is allowing the regulator to intervene earlier on high‑risk work and verify that planning, supervision and competency are in place before cranes go up.
‘Proven tools for reducing risks’
Stakeholders have largely welcomed the latest development on crane safety.
“Licensing and permitting are proven tools for reducing risks in high‑hazard industries,” said Bryan Railton, business manager of the 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.”
“It is important that we take meaningful measures to help prevent tragedies before they occur,” said Clinton Connell, executive director of the 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.”
Provincial officials say the steps announced on March 3, 2026, are intended to strengthen oversight and safety practices at a time of record crane use, and to build on “landmark investments” in 2025 to double trades‑training funding. As part of that investment, skilled‑trades certification is being advanced for crane operators and other trades.
“Working people are at the heart of B.C.’s economy,” the province stated, framing the move as part of a broader plan to build a stronger economy grounded in safe work, good jobs and expanded opportunities.
Fatalities and ongoing risk
According to the B.C. government, seven workers have died in crane incidents in the province in the last five years. Officials say those fatalities highlight ongoing safety risks on construction and industrial sites and the need for stronger oversight and improved 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.”
One of those killed was Yuridia Flores. Flores lost her life while working at a construction site in Vancouver’s Oakridge neighbourhood in February 2024. Multiple safety standard violations contributed to her death, according to WorkSafeBC.
The scale of crane activity in B.C. adds urgency to the reforms. In 2021, there were 261 active tower cranes on worksites in the province. That rose to a five‑year high of 409 in 2024, with 373 currently operating. By comparison, the province says there are 106 active tower cranes in Toronto and a combined total of 127 cranes operating in 11 major U.S. cities.
Political pressure and regulatory gaps
The licensing announcement also follows growing political and public pressure for broader crane safety reforms. As COS has reported, opposition parties and unions have called for more transparency around the 2021 Kelowna tower‑crane collapse investigation and for stronger, system‑wide controls on crane operation, assembly and disassembly.
Currently, workers who operate cranes in B.C. must be certified and registered with an oversight body. However, companies and individuals that own, maintain, repair, move, erect or disassemble cranes – or are otherwise responsible for them – are not required to be certified, registered or licensed.
