CANADA Why Worker Safety Is So Important to Workers Compensation

WorkSafeBC Imposes Penalties in Canada Line Crane Operator Fatality

WorkSafeBC (British Columbia) has imposed administrative penalties totaling $315,343.71 against two firms involved in construction of the Canada Line rapid transit route associated with the death of a crane operator killed while working on the North Arm Bridge connecting the Vancouver and Richmond sections of the line.

Here’s What Happen

In 2008 the crane operator was using a small carry-deck crane as part of the ironworker crew installing bike path components onto the Vancouver side of the North Arm Bridge. When he attempted to move a load of hardware from the front deck of the crane to the bike path below by swinging it over the bridge guide-way, the crane tipped over on the driver’s side. The crane operator tried to exit the rear of the crane, but was pinched between the crane and the guide-way’s parapet wall and was killed instantly. (workersxzcompxzkit)

WorkSafeBC’s Investigation Conclusions

Four underlying factors contributed to the incident:

1. Insufficient supervision of the work
2. Load weights were not clearly presented
3. No effective system to measure operating radius
4. Insufficient training and experience of the operator

Penalty Assessments

1. $233,535.58 imposed on the deceased worker’s employer and the joint- venture capitalist.

2. $81,808.13 imposed on the prime contractor of the Canada Line project.

Prevention is always preferable to post injury controls, but it’s necessary to have both in place in the event the unexpected occurs. Put procedures in place before an injury occurs.

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