Two construction companies involved in a series of crane accidents in 2024 and 2025, including a tragic incident at Oakridge Park that led to the death of a worker, have been fined by WorkSafeBC.
EllisDon Corp. and Newway Concrete Forming have been slapped with fines totaling $1.3 million. EllisDon faces a penalty of $515,000, while Newway is fined $113,000 for their roles in the death of Yuridia Flores, who lost her life in a crane accident at the Oakridge construction site.
The incident occurred when a tower crane lifting a flytable between floors suddenly veered off course, plummeting to the ground and fatally injuring Flores. EllisDon was the prime contractor at the site, with Newway providing concrete formwork services.
In addition to the Oakridge incident, EllisDon has been fined nearly $690,000 for two other crane-related accidents, with no serious injuries reported. The company states it is reviewing the penalties and reaffirms its dedication to safety.
On the other hand, Newway Concrete Forming has not responded to requests for comment. WorkSafeBC highlighted multiple safety violations by both companies, including inadequate safety zones and training lapses.
EllisDon’s violations included failures to review subcontractors’ safety procedures, conduct risk assessments, and identify critical lifts. Newway Concrete Forming was faulted for lacking proper training, procedures, and equipment maintenance protocols.
Overall, the fines underscore the importance of stringent safety measures in construction sites to prevent tragic incidents like the one at Oakridge Park.