HSE publish tower crane register consultation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its proposals for the statutory tower cranes register.The Health and Safety Executive is launching the consultation in preparation for the scheme which is due to be rolled out in April 2010.

Since 2000 there have been a number of high profile incidents and deaths involving tower cranes. These have led to public concern over tower crane safety and in 2008 the Work and Pensions Select Committee, inquiring into the work of the HSE, called on HSE to bring forward proposals for a national register.

At its meeting in January 2009, the HSE Board agreed that, on tower crane safety, work was required to address public concerns and respond to the Select Committee’s recommendation and, in addition to other measures already in place, a register of tower cranes was needed. The register would form part of a package of measures which involves HSE and the construction industry continuing to work closely to address issues around tower cranes such as improving the competence of installers and operators, improving design.

The proposed regulations will require employers who use 'conventional' tower cranes (i.e tower cranes that are assembled on site; the type involved in the high profile incidents) on construction sites to notify certain information about the crane to HSE; HSE will make arrangements for this information to be made publicly available in a national register.

The deadline for responses is 9 October 2009.