Health and Safety Executive Tower crane safety - the story so far Laurence Golob, Construction Sector A presentation to CONIAC, November 2009

Background Recent history of high-profile incidents –Canary Wharf, Battersea, Liverpool (x2), Croydon, Worthing –8 deaths since 2000, including m.o.p.; other life-changing injuries Political and public interest –Work & Pensions SC –DWP SoS –Battersea Crane Disaster Action Group

Controlling/Managing the risks Package of measures, including: competence requirements for crane erectors and dismantlers; consideration of the adequacy of crane design standards; research into the effect of wind loading on cranes; research to improve our understanding of the causes of crane incidents at an international level; promotion of the industry Safe Crane Campaign to improve public confidence in crane safety; and tower crane register.

Competence requirements HSE & Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group –developed a matrix of competences: o Planning; o Erection and Dismantling Process; o Operation; o Maintenance; o Thorough Examination. –now agreeing implementation programme.

Research effect of wind loading on cranes; consideration of the adequacy of crane design standards; research to improve our understanding of the causes of crane incidents at an international level.

Public Confidence Safe Crane Campaign Tower crane register

FOD Construction Field Work the head offices of tower crane operators visits inspector assessment of the use of tower cranes on all relevant sites; HSE enforcement: e.g. Worthing and Croydon