WorkSafeBC has recently imposed three fines totalling $1.3 million for health and safety violations in a series of crane-related incidents.
Two of these fines, totalling $627,456, are related to the tragic death of Yuridia Flores, a worker at a Vancouver construction site in February 2024.
This incident included a $514,831 fine to EllisDon Corporation, and a $112,625 fine to Newway Concrete Forming.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Yuridia Flores,” said WorkSafeBC in a media release.
Flores was a 41-year-old mother from Mexico looking to improve her quality of life for her children, according to reports. She became a permanent Canadian resident in 2023.
“The primary purpose of an administrative penalty is to motivate the employer receiving the penalty — and other employers — to comply with occupational health and safety legislation and regulation and keep their workplaces safe.”
An additional $688,589 fine has been issued to EllisDon Corporation which involved a crane-related incident that took place in Victoria on October 31st.
No serious injuries were reported in this incident.
Regarding the Victoria fine, WorkSafeBC observed a crane moving a load of steel canopy components from a balcony to a lower level.
The rigging sling reportedly failed when it was cut by the sharp edge of a canopy section and the load fell.
WorkSafeBC determined the contractor did not ensure detailed lifting plans.
Additionally, a tower crane at another of EllisDon Corporation’s worksites lost its load while lifting core box formwork.
Again, WorkSafeBC determined the lift plans lacked in details and there was no system in place for inspecting work methods associated with safe rigging and lifting.
In both incidents, the firm had not reviewed the lift plans prior to lifting.
WorkSafeBC says that the three fines demonstrated that there are significant financial consequences for high-risk violations and repeated non-compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.
