August 6, 2008

Readers respond to JOC poll: Is B.C. doing enough about crane safety?

Results: No 78%; Yes 22%

TIC Canada equipment supervisor Mike Garies responds to the JOC poll question “Is B.C. doing enough about crane safety?”

As an experienced crane and equipment supervisor and a Red Seal crane operator, I am disturbed by the increased incident rates involving cranes and hoists.

The industry, in its high-speed attempt to complete projects in today’s hot economic climate, has lost sight of the human element.

Workers are recruited in record numbers, with minimal attention to credentials.

Until recently, British Columbia crane operators were not required to posses a licence or proof of training.

They did, however, require a licence to ride to work on a Vespa scooter.

I am pleased to see the government, although painfully slow, enact legislation requiring the industry to step up to the plate and share equal responsibilities.

One only has to look to the west for a model on what the crane regulations should be based on.

Mike Garies,
Equipment supervisor, TIC Canada,
Edmonton, Alberta

To vote on the poll question and to make or read comments visit www.journalofcommerce.com.

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