Allianz Engineering has welcomed the news that the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is to run a statutory tower crane registration scheme to improve tower crane safety and public confidence in their safety.

The scheme follows a number of high-profile cases involving crane collapses in recent years, including several fatalities, which have led to various groups demanding official action. The new register has been agreed alongside a package of measures to improve tower crane safety and is likely to be in place by April 2010.

The register is one of a number of proposals to improve tower crane safety, including working with the industry to improve the competence of those involved in handling tower cranes and carrying out targeted inspection work over the next 12 months.

Phil Wright, chief engineer, Allianz Engineering, said: "There are around 1500 tower cranes in the UK and, at any one time, around 1000 of these are in use. The new registration scheme will help to improve the competence of those involved in erecting, dismantling, using and carrying out the inspections."

He adds: "Brokers can also play a crucial roll in helping to ensure that clients comply with best practice guidelines and are aware of the new registration scheme to reduce employee accidents and fatalities."

Allianz Engineering has previously assisted the HSE in providing a range of best practice guidance for tower cranes which, along with the registration scheme, it’s hoped will make a real improvement to the health and safety record of the tower crane sector.

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