Questions: (assuming an 'outsourced' organization was hired to set up, run and manage the crane on site - this is the most common relationship (in the Leadenhall Building - they controlled the crane - that is unusual))

1. Should the Project Manager be responsible for the weather - if it impacts the safety of a crane on site?
2. Should the Project Manager be responsible for an improper crane selection - if it impacts the safety of the workers and the public on or around the site?
3. What overall responsibility should the Project Manager have in this case?

Note: In the U.S. each state will have different laws regarding responsibility on a job site - so be 'generic' in your answer - I don't expect a state by state review!

Risk Management: The use of a crane on a building site (which is common) requires Project Managers to understand the risk of 'failure'. The failure of a crane, due to unforeseen circumstances, could cause serious problems at a construction site, unfortunately, up to and including the death of an innocent person or an on-site worker. I have also attached a document from HSB Engineering Insurance (HSBEI-l412-1l [7), part of Munich Re, concerning their expertise to help companies alleviate or lessen tower crane collapse events\" [just an example of a business in the 'risk business') I looked up the stats on crane accident deaths and was startled I thought they were extremely rare: World-Wide Tower Crane Accident Statistics 2000 through 2009 Since 2000 - Tower Crane Accidents causing over 668 Deaths along with countless injuries have occurred. Since 2009 there have been over - 116 Accidents. causing 44 Deaths! As staggering as these numbers are, it may well he double due to the fact that many incidences are never reported on. This on-going research is the result of countless hours spent collecting hundreds of reports, pictures and videos to substantiate the ndings. NOTE: These statistics focus specically on construction related Tower Crane accidents only. They are for the most part serious incidences causing some kind of death/injury, collapse or damage. 42% = Erection I Dismantle & Climbing: \"E l D\" contributed to 26% and \"Climbing\" contributed to 16%. The primary cause for these failures is; not following manufacturer instructions. 27% = In Operation: These are inoperation accidents where for a number of reasons; foundation & structural failures, electrical &. mechanical mallnctions were the primary cause. 13% = Operator Error: Not following manufacturer operation instrucon. Also, tampering with or knowingly operating crane with malmctioning safety limits. 10% = Mother Nature: Wind & Earthquakes. Some of the \"wind\" related accidents may be due to the Operator not following proper shutdown procedures. 8% = Unknown: Due to translation issues and or lack of information, the cause and injuries are unknown. Interesting Facts: The #1 cause of all accidents is simply - "Not following Manufacturer instructions\". In most cases, those responsible for these - 872+ accidents had good reputations and were regarded as the best! Over 25% of the deaths and countless injuries are of unsuspecting civilians (many children). Although a large percentage of these 872+ accidents are concentrated in a few countries, the same circumstances or events that led to their failures are borderless - - stupid mistakes keep repeating like a broken record around the world. It seems that in the rush for development, ones prociency has been replaced by sub-standards. Terms such as: \"not ideal situation\" and \"common practice" have become acceptable reasoning to disregard engineered instructions. Gone are the days when one would attend a multi-year apprenticeship to learn a skill, this has been replaced by fast-food like accreditations or like in most areas, none at all. And to boot, those of signicant authority seldom have the unwavering \"character" to red-tag a situation no matter what the personal cost. Source: hpftowercranesupmrt.com/maniclephp. Accessed 8/8/19. Crane Accident Statistics In the U.S. The most recent data on crane accidents from the Bureau of Labor Statistics dates back to 2006. In that year, there were 72 fatalities caused by crane accidents. Over the 10 year period from 1997-2006, crane accidents were responsible for 818 workplace fatalities. From 2003-2006, Texas led the nation in the number of fatal crane accidents. Below are the top four states in terms of fatal crane accidents over that four year period. Texas 42 fatalities Florida 27 fatalities California 25 fatalities Louisiana - 17 fatalities Crane accident fatalities occur from a variety of causes. The most common cause of fatalities is workers or bystanders who are struck by an object that falls from the cranes. Other causes include being run over by a crane, falling from a crane, and electrocution. Below is a breakdown of crane accident fatalities by cause of death. Contact with object or equipment 62% Falls 7 20% Transportation incidents i 10% Contact with electrical current 8% What Causes Most Crane Accidents? Cranes are usually the largest piece of equipment on any industrial site. As a result, more accidents are caused by cranes than any other piece of equipment. But what causes such heavy equipment to malinc'tion catastrophically? In many accidents, cranes buckle or collapse from excess weight. Each crane comes with strict weight limits, but construction supervisors can either ignore these limits or remain ignorant of them, which leads to a crane accident. That's why many crane accidents are tied to poor training or rushed construction jobs. Major causes of crane accidents are: Use of crane for purposes outside of the manufacturer's specications Improper crane selection Poor weather Improper crane set up Falling debris or other hazardous conditions surrounding the crane Another well-known cause of crane accidents is contact with power lines. OSHA found that 45% of crane accidents are caused by the boom or crane making contact with energized power lines. Regardless of cause, most crane accidents can be prevented by following proper safety protocol and adequately training workers on how to operate the crane safely. In fact, 90% of crane accidents are caused by human error and 80% can be attributed to crane operators exceeding operational capacity. And yes there are Crane attorneys as an example Arnold &. Itkin in Houston!! Source: https://www .amolditkincomlpersonalinj uryblog/ZO l 9/julyffatal-crane-accident statistics-in-theunitedstf. Accessed SIS/l9. Discussion Questions: (assuming an 'outsourced' organization was hired to set up, run and manage the crane on site this is the most common relationship (in the Leadenhall Building they controlled the crane that is unusual Note: In the US. each state will have different laws regarding responsibility on a job site so be 'gencric' in your answer I don't expect a state by state review! 1. Should the Project Manager be responsible for the weather if it impacts the safety of a crane on site? 2. Should the Project Manager be responsible for an improper crane selection if it impacts the safety of the workers and the public on or around the site? 3. What overall responsibility should the Project Manager have in this case? Risk Solutions Tower crane collapse events Risk management Technical bulletin The risk of tower crane Although there are many different types Risk management: Health & collapse events can increase and configurations of tower cranes, the Safety Executive guidance due to associated adverse most common types we see consist of a tower section located on a fixed base The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) weather, particularly during with a jib attached to the tower via a have investigated crane collapse events the winter months. slew mechanism. This mechanism and subsequently provided guidance allows the crane operator, through (available at www.hse.gov.uk/safety gearing arrangement, to slew the jib bulletins/luffing-jib-tower-cranes.htm). around the construction site and then hold the jib in position via a slew brake. This document advises the following for In normal operation, the slew brake is all tower crane users: always engaged and the operator, - Ensure the most accurate up-to-date through his control inputs, disengages information is being used for the the brake and moves the jib to the specific crane they are operating. required position. The brake is then This may include discussions or e-engaged until the next control input. correspondence with the supplier or When the crane is left unattended, it is manufacturer as some manufacturers may have changed their guidance usually a requirement to leave the slew brake disengaged. This allows the jib - Check that the information includes to move freely and weathervane with the correct minimum out-of-service the wind. Allowing the jib to move freely radius for the specific crane being greatly reduces the stress imposed operated. on the tower section and jib section - Check, both after erection and However, if this brake is engaged in periodically in-service, the function a period of high wind, the stress that releases the slew brake and imposed upon the structure can lead TL : - :. . places the crane in free slew. answer as follows:' . ill - Check. both after erection and periodically in service. that the condition of the slew drive motors. gearboxes and slew ring bearing have not deteriorated to the extent that the crane is prevented from slewing freely. - Check, both after erection and periodically In service. the setting and function of any devices that warn the operator that the cranejib has not been left parked at the correct out of service radius and/or the slew brake has not been released. - Ensure that operators have been provided with instructions on how the crane should be placed in free slew and the correct radius at which the jib should be positioned when leaving the crane unattended. This should include measures to routinely check that the operators understand and are following the instructions provided. Undertake periodic checks that the buildings under construction, other cranes or high reach plant are not preventing the crane from free slewing. Consideration needs to be given to both frontjibs and rear countery'ibs. ii i _.' illill Alrl Key risk measures Crane owners/users should have a robust planned preventive maintenance lPPMl system along with prescribed safety checks. Detailed requirements and checklists are included in BSi'l21-2- 5.the Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations iLOLERl and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWERI Regulations. as well as detailed guides produced by the Construction Plant-Hire Association (CPA) including TClG-0801. Pre-use checks, regular in-service inspections and maintenance checks are essential and need to be recorded. Key aspects to check during maintenance include {but are not limited to]: - general condition of structures Ie.g. fatigue cracks}, fastenings, ties and machinery operation of alarms, warning lights, indicators. motion limiters and cab accessories - presence of documentation and warning signs Whychmo HSBEnglnurlng Insurance? Backed by over 150 years of technical risk knowledge, HSB Engineering Insurance, part of M unich Re. is a leading specialist engineering inspection services provider. We provide inspection services in the role of 'Competent Person' for all service areas in which we are accredited by UKAS to 'lSO/IEC 17020 - In-Service Inspection Bodies'. - slewing mechanism. control gear. safety devices. cables and pulley block in addition to a PPM system. cranes also require periodic thorough examinations as prescribed by LOLE R. The thorough examinations would need to be carried out at: - specified intervals - after installation - after major alterations or repair - after exceptional circumstances affecting the safety of the crane leg. adverse weather conditions) Examinations need to be undertaken by a Competent Person. HSB's team of technically-experienced Engineer Surveyors can perform the role of Competent Person on tower crane inspections. With a network of com petent. tech nically-experienced engineer surveyors located across the U K and Ireland. HS B work with customers to understand their inspection requ irements, reduce their engineering risks and help optimise the efficiency of their plant and equipment. For more information on our inspection services, visit our website or contact your local HSB Engineering lnsu rance office. www.munichra.com/hsbail HEB Engineering Insurance Services Limited. registered in England and Wales 03010292. New London House. 6 London Street. London ECBR 7LP. Registered as a branch in Ireland: 906105. HSB Engineering Insurance Services Limited Isan Appointed Representative of HSEI Engineering Insurance Limited. which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority 3 answer as follows