BURSTA crane operator has been fined $164,000 for “repeated and high-risk” safety violations on a Ladysmith worksite, according to a WorkSafeBC Inspection report.
MR Crane Service, a Victoria-based crane operator, was providing a construction tower and operator at the 1st Avenue location, neighbouring the Old Town Bakery. Due to the space limitations at the worksite, all the material being moved onto the site by the crane had to be lifted over electrical wires.
When WorkSafeBC conducted the inspection, they found that the crane did not have a load limiter, which would prevent the crane from coming into contact with the adjacent power lines.
The inspection report from WorkSafeBC also noted a number of deficiencies in safety plan paperwork needed to operate the crane at that site. MR Crane Service achieved compliance almost immediately, but was still fined and given an administrative penalty.
This inspection was conducted as part of WorkSafeBC’s crane and mobile equipment initiative which includes the inspection of approximately 300 tower cranes operating in the province.
This decision is currently under review at the request of the company.