Thank you to everyone who participated in this survey. Results are as of December 26, 2012.

 

Which role best describes what you do?

Listed from most popular to least:

  • Trainer (14)
  • Crane Owner (5)
  • Crane Operator(5)
  • Rigging (company & supply) (4)
  • Contractor (2)
  • HSE (2)
  • Safety Inspector/Advisor (2)
  • Alberta Apprenticeship
  • Construction Manager
  • CRSP
  • Equipment Coordinator
  • Industry Association

 

Which jurisdiction do you work in?

  • Alberta (8)
  • British Columbia (5)
  • Ontario (3)
  • Saskatchewan (3)
  • Northwest Territories (2)
  • Manitoba
  • Yukon


Do you have differing requirements causing additional costs when you do the same work in another jurisdiction?

  • No (22)
  • Yes (16)

If ‘Yes’, please identify these requirements.

  • Biggest complaint: Certification requirements change from province to province. They want standards and codes to be the same. Alberta was the big issue: apparently they follow U.S.A. OSHA, ASME Standards while others follow the O.H. & S. Regulations;
  • There are apparently programs/packages/handouts for some jurisdictions. Someone suggested having handouts/packages/manuals for ALL different jurisdictions;
  • BC requires certification and to be registered (BCACS requires you to pay for the jurisdiction package) & Worksafe BC has higher rates, additional Permits. BC Crane Association Red seal journeyman tickets are not acceptable;
  • Crane Inspections and operator requirements are different. Some Western clients in oils sands require to re-inspect cranes above and beyond legislated required standards;
  • There are no standardized requirements for critical versus standard lifts. (weights/radius differ);
  • Researching to ensure we have addressed all jurisdictional OH&S requirements for applicable safety training (safety training programs).

 

Can you provide any examples of differing inter-provincial regulatory requirements, that if they were brought closer together would help you in your work effort?

  • Certifications:
    • annual certification
    • Journeyman crane certification red seal should be across Canada/recognized in every province
  • Clarity to the clients utilizing the equipment and service sector and service providers being held accountable
  • Mechanical/annual inspections
  • Harmonizing regulations:
    • legislative requirements the same in all provinces;
    • making Alberta follow O.H. & S. Regulations like other provinces;
    • one set of standards/codes for certification & training (The cost savings would be the ability to share training resources amongst the different regions);
    • One standard certification card instead of some workers using a government certified card and some people using training courses certified cards;
  • CSA Z150 (safety code on mobile cranes);
  • Cranes: man handling requirements, max wind speeds, Limits of approach, proximity to thunder storms.

 

What challenges with respect to application of OHS requirements, training requirements, and operator certifications have you experienced when crossing a provincial border to work?

  • Training and competency are not equal;
  • One National License would be better served: Certification not recognized unless BC Association of Crane operators approves it (at an additional cost);
  • Recognition when crossing borders (Someone Mentioned people from Alberta getting sent home because they aren’t BC certified);
  • Red Seal ticket across Canada instead of different tickets for different provinces (again, BC does not accept Red Seal without extra charges, many considered this a “hassle”);
  • Various levels of competency mainly due to inadequate training of operators and supervisors/lack of knowledge, certification and enforcement;
  • Better requirements for riggers;
  • Difficult to keep up with regulations and changes: a website was suggested that provides Safety Professionals with a resource to maintain current knowledge to help do the job better.

 

How does this harmonization initiative potentially affect you?

  • Will set minimum requirements across the land;
  • Will increase competency; reduce cost & time (researching/teaching other jurisdictions);
  • Ensure that operators are held to the same standard anywhere;
  • Will create harmonization thus allowing companies to set acceptable standards/codes;
  • Easier for work between provinces and to get help from other provinces;
  • Brings consistency, integrity, continuity to a high risk activity
  • Easier to teach/train; will ensure nobody is being mislead while training; will make the teachers/trainers confident that the content they are delivering is relevant;
  • Uniform work and product inspection and re-certification procedures throughout Canada;
  • One ticket dictates a certain level of experience, regardless which province you are in;
  • Positive step for the lifting industry;
  • Improvement for the overall safety of the industry.