Health and Safety Regulations: Cranes

Opened the debate

The hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse raised concerns about the health and safety issues related to cranes used in construction, particularly after a crane collapse on July 8th, 2020, which resulted in the death of June Harvey. The incident also displaced numerous residents who had to be temporarily housed under suboptimal conditions during the pandemic. She highlighted previous incidents involving crane collapses and called for stricter regulations on crane usage. She emphasised the need for robust legislation and enforcement related to safety protocols for cranes and construction practices, citing concerns over deregulation trends and a lack of inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The hon. Member stressed the importance of swift investigations following such incidents, noting that previous cases took years to resolve, causing significant distress among affected families and residents.

Government Response

The Minister thanked the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse for raising this important issue, expressing condolences to the family of June Harvey who died in a crane collapse incident. She acknowledged that an ongoing investigation led by the Metropolitan police is taking place with support from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE oversees several pieces of legislation including the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), which mandate periodic thorough examinations, maintenance records, and proper training for crane operators. Since 2011, there have been 91 reported incidents involving tower cranes in Britain, including 11 collapses resulting in six fatalities. The HSE investigates all such incidents rigorously and takes enforcement action where necessary. Tower Crane Interest Group (TCIG) and the British Standards Institution also contribute to safety standards through guidance and technical notes. The Minister assured that the Government supports the regulatory regime for tower cranes, working with the HSE and industry to ensure their safe use.