Health and Safety News

The HSE board has decided to introduce a statutory tower crane register after a comprehensive public consultation, in which the opinions of trades unions, construction contractors and other stakeholders were taken into account. The consultation went on for three months, and the register is now awaiting ministerial approval. About 100 responses were received by HSE from different interested groups during the consultation.

By April 2010, the new regulations will be implemented officially and they will cover all cases related to tower cranes that are deployed in construction sites.

Tower cranes have had a dismal performance as far as safety is concerned. Since 2000, no less than eight people have been killed in accidents related to tower cranes. Of these eight people, one was a member of the public. These spate of accidents prompted HSE to introduce the register.

According to the new regulations, the task of notification rests on the employer. Required information about the crane has to be notified to relevant authorities within a fortnight of detailed examination of the crane. Cranes built and installed before the implementation of the regulations should be registered within a month. Provision for electronic notification has also been made, and this has to be done through the HSE website.

A register will be maintained that will display the details of any notification made to HSE. The register will be made available to the public. An administration fee of £20 will be charged for any new registration.

Philip White, HSE Chief Inspector of Construction, said in this regard that tower crane accidents are not uncommon, and that employers are looking for ways to ensure safe use of such cranes. He added that the opinions of the people have helped HSE in formulating regulations to avert risks.

Recent incidents have been a revelation in this regard, and HSE is working in close coordination with employers and manufacturers to see that proper rules are implemented, added White.