CPA and HSE work together on crane safety

The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have agreed to produce a best practice guide on maintenance and examination of tower cranes, following two fatal accidents in London and Liverpool over the past few months.

Over the course of the meeting, the CPA and HSE chief inspector of construction Stephen Williams discussed legislation, standards and best practice.

The two bodies decided that they should develop a best practice guide, which will be drafted with input from the tower crane industry, with the aim of significantly raising standards.

CPA chief executive Colin Wood commented: “Tower cranes have traditionally had a good safety record and are an essential tool for the construction of low and high rise buildings. Unfortunately when tower crane accidents happen, they tend to have serious consequences and we welcome the opportunity to work with the HSE to reduce the small number of accidents that sadly do occur.”

Williams said: “HSE is pleased to see industry taking ownership of the need to improve health and safety. We had a very constructive meeting with the CPA and welcome their very positive approach to raising standards and working with us to build on the significant progress they have already made in producing practical guidance for the tower crane industry.”