New health and safety legislation for tower cranes

Construction companies that operate tower cranes as part of their work will need to take note of a new legislation recently introduced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

In an attempt to tackle increasing concerns over safety on building sites, construction firms are now expected to register any cranes in use by April 6th. The Chair of the HSE, Judith Hackitt, stated:

"In developing these regulations we have taken a common sense and proportionate approach to the registration scheme, building on valuable consultation with industry. The register will help us all – regulators, the industry and government – deliver improved safety performance."

According to the HSE, eight people have been killed in incidents involving tower cranes since 2000, including a member of the public, with many more injured.

Lord McKenzie, Health and Safety minister, commented:

"It's completely unacceptable that lives are put at risk because of unsafe tower cranes. The new register will encourage high standards of safety on site and give the public confidence that these huge machines are being operated responsibly."

He added that the "register is just one of the steps that the Government is taking to improve safety" and that the HSE is undertaking constant work to help understand the risks associated with tower cranes.