Deadline looms for BC crane operators

Crane operators in British Columbia, Canada, must have a valid operator's certificate by 28 February 2011, warns WorkSafeBC.

Without certification by 28 February operators cannot legally operate a crane in British Columbia. The certification requirement applies to all operators of mobile cranes, tower cranes, self erecting cranes and boom trucks.

Many operators have still not been assessed, according to WorkSafeBC, and time and resources are limited. WorkSafeBC urges immediate booking of an assessment to complete it by the deadline. Operators who are required to apply to the Industry Training Authority should be aware that review and verification of the application can take six weeks, WorkSafeBC said. Application must be approved prior to assessment.

WorkSafeBC promotes workplace health and safety for workers and employers in British Columbia. It consults and educates employers and workers and monitors compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.