Case Study 92: Tower Crane Collapse. Multiple Fatalities (Crewe)
Incident Overview A tower crane collapse in Crewe resulted in three fatalities. Years later, the incident continues to drive legal proceedings and formal findings. What Went Wrong High-consequence failures usually expose weaknesses in governance: competence, procedure, inspection, supervision, and change control. Key Lessons Crane governance failures kill Decisions made weeks earlier can be causal Documentation becomes evidence Safety Recommendations Strengthen governance: erection/alteration controls, inspections, competence, stop authority, and “paper-to-field” checks. Incident source/ Reference Inquest/news coverage and HSE roundup references. https://www.constructionenquirer.com ●LOLER Reg. 4 – Integrity and stability are fundamental duties. ●LOLER Reg. 8 – Planning, supervision and safe execution required. ●LOLER Reg. 9 – Examination/inspection regime must be effective. ●PUWER Reg. 5 – Maintenance and defect control required. ●BS 7121-1 – Crane management system must control change and risk. Wolf Lifting Dynamics – Safe Lifting UK | Case Study 92