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VICTORIA — �´ǰ��쳧���ڱ����’s penalty database was updated recently to

Falls from elevation result in some of the most serious work-related injuries, the organization states.

In the past five years, WorkSafeBC accepted 22,044 claims for falls from heights, 5,703 of these were for serious injuries and 88 were fatal injuries. In addition, WorkSafeBC imposed 105 administrative penalties totalling over $1.12 million in 2024 to employers for lack of fall protections.  

WorkSafeBC is reminding employers the proper use of fall protection equipment, in addition to planning, supervision, and training, can reduce or eliminate the risk of falling.  

The requires workers to use fall protection systems when they could fall from a height of three metres (10 feet) or more, or where a fall from a lesser height could result in serious injury.  

Other notable infractions highlighted in the database for last month include an $18,113.56 fine for M.R. Crane Service Ltd.

The firm was providing tower crane services at a construction site. WorkSafeBC inspected the site and determined the firm had installed a zone-limiting device on the crane, which had not been assessed and certified as safe for use by either the equipment manufacturer or a professional engineer as required.

There were also no daily limit testing procedures were in place and the erection supervisor had erected the crane without verifying the base foundation assembly had been inspected.

WorkSafeBC also determined a second crane at another one of the firm’s worksites had a

zone-limiting device installed that had not been certified.

“The firm failed to ensure that, if modifications to its crane affected the rated capacity or safe operation, the crane was assessed and certified safe,” a statement reads. “This was a repeated violation. The firm also failed to ensure zone-limiting devices were tested before each shift according to established procedures, and failed to have a qualified supervisor verify that a crane was erected according to specifications.”

Another incident involved Surespan General Contractors Corp. at a Valemount worksite.

The company was fined $87,822.83 after WorkSafeBC attended the firm’s pipeline construction site in response to an incident where two workers sustained serious injuries.

According to the incident description, the workers were on the deck of a temporary bridge, preparing to remove it. The bridge moved suddenly downward, throwing the two workers to the ground along with deck panels and concrete blocks.

The investigation determined the work was being performed outside the scope of the engineering plan and hazard controls and work procedures in place were no longer adequate. In addition, the fall protection systems in place were not adequate for this type of work.

“The firm failed to ensure bridge construction documentation details were updated as necessary to show changes in site conditions, with updates certified by a professional engineer,” the statement describes. “The firm also failed to ensure its temporary fall restraint system included an anchor with a sufficient load capacity. In addition, the firm failed to ensure the health and safety of its workers. These were all high-risk violations.” 

�´ǰ��쳧���ڱ����’s also allows you to search for penalties by employer.