HSE press release E087:05 - 27 June 2005
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently completed its exhaustive investigation into the collapse of a Wolff 320 BF tower crane at Canada Square, London, E14 on 21 May 2000 in which three workers were killed.
A public report, available today, explains that despite a very technical and complex investigation involving HSE inspectors, the Metropolitan Police, the Health and Safety Laboratory, lifting specialists and external experts, there is no conclusive explanation for the incident.
Following a detailed independent review of evidence, HSE has decided that there is insufficient evidence to support any enforcement action in relation to this tragic incident and it is not in the public interest to bring a prosecution in relation to other matters. HSE appreciates that this decision may disappoint the families of those who died.
Michael Whittard, an erection supervisor from Leeds, Martin Burgess an erector from Castleford, and Peter Clark, a crane driver from Southwark, south London, were part of a team who were in the process of using a large 'climbing frame' incorporating a hydraulic lifting device to raise the height of the tower crane when the incident occurred. They fell more than 120 meters when the top of the crane and the climbing frame overturned as they were approaching the end of a weekend of climbing operations on this and a sister crane on the site. Two other members of the crew escaped into the tower of the crane and survived.
Commenting on the announcement, Rosi Edwards, acting Chief Inspector of Construction said:
"While we have been unable to prove how or why this tragic incident occurred, the comprehensive investigation has identified a number of actions that industry need to take to avoid the risk of further incidents.
"In June 2000 HSE served an enforcement notice on Hewden Tower Cranes Ltd, ordering examination by a 'competent person' of all their Wolffkran external climbing equipment for use in Great Britain. HSE also approached other companies at that time, to check that any external climbing equipment being used for tower cranes satisfied the requirements for thorough examinations under the lifting regulations.
"In 2003 HSE published a discussion paper that explained concerns about crane climbing systems. Work now being undertaken by the British Standards Institute will lead to British Standard BS 7121: Part 5 Tower Cranes being revised and an improved approach to climbing in the future.
"Work is also underway by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association on guidance about tower crane stability and the relevant CEN and ISO committees are considering how the lessons learnt might be reflected in standards. I urge crane companies to consider the issues discussed in this report and ensure such operations are effectively managed. Meanwhile, my thoughts are with the families of Mr. Whittard, Mr. Burgess and Mr. Clark"
HSE understands that this incident was only the second collapse of a tower crane during climbing. The first occurred in San Francisco on 28 November 1989.
The summary of the report can be viewed at http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/crane/overview.pdf
The full report can be viewed at http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/crane
The Discussion paper on the safe use of 'external' frames on tower cranes can be viewed at http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/crane/discussion.pdf
The statement, E226:03, by Mike Williams made on 13 November 2003 can be viewed at http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2003/e03226.htm,
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office
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