18 crane firms targeted by HSE after Liverpool inquest

The HSE has released initial findings into the causes of last year’s fatal Liverpool crane collapse following the conclusion of the inquest last month.

Although it has yet to complete its full investigation, the HSE said it is thought a strong gust of wind blew the luffing jib upwards, causing the crane to snap just below the driver’s cab. This resulted in the counterweight falling to the ground below, causing the death of Polish worker Zbigniew Roman Swirzynski.

The HSE has also written to 18 crane companies asking them to provide details of their kit and operating procedures. The companies have been asked to contact manufacturers to determine whether their machines contain the same systems that failed on the crane in Liverpool.