Safety Corner: Brightening the Holidays

// December 12, 2024

Cranes decked with lights during the holiday season is a time-honoured tradition. Lit cranes add sparkle to the nightscape and are a great show of holiday spirit. 

Decorating cranes is not without its downsides, however. It introduces hazards such as blocked access, increased sail area, electrical risks, and potential dropped objects. These factors can compromise both safety and operational efficiency, so it is important to do it right. 

Inside Crane & Hoist Canada’s Safety Corner: Brightening the Holidays, Albert Wang, our quality control policy engineer at BC Crane Safety, shared some important insights on how to make this festive practice safer. 

Albert emphasizes the need for careful planning and adherence to safety practices when decorating tower cranes with seasonal lights. Employers and crane operators must conduct thorough risk assessments and adhere to manufacturer guidelines to mitigate risks. 

Safe installation practices are paramount. This includes using outdoor-rated lights certified by CSA or cUL, securing decorations against wind forces, and maintaining clear pathways for crane operations. 

And do engage licensed electricians and regularly inspect your installations to ensure long-term safety and compliance. 

The Using Holiday Lights Safely on Tower Cranes bulletin co-developed by WorkSafeBC and BC Crane Safety is a detailed guide for safety when using holiday lights on a crane. 

Our previous Seasonal Update: Holiday Lights also contains a good summary of all the relevant hazards and OHSR requirements.