New WorkSafeBC bulletin focuses on how to reduce the risk of crane rigging failures

VANCOUVER — It’s no secret crane rigging failures have caused and can cause serious injuries and fatalities on construction sites.

B.C. has seen its share of crane incidents over the last couple of years, and as such WorkSafeBC has implemented a number of measures to try and improve crane safety across the province.

The organization recently released a new bulletin, Preventing crane rigging failures, which provides an overview of how rigging failures typically happen and how to reduce the risks.

Rigging (fibre or wire ropes, chains, slings, attachments, etc.) that can lift thousands of kilograms may fail catastrophically, but what are some hazards?

WorkSafeBC has highlighted the following:

There are also responsibilities for everyone involved in moving a load. Employers must provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure that crane operators and riggers:

The bulletin features diagrams and more details.

There is also a tower cranes webpage that contains more information and resources.