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Union demands investigators release initial findings on Bow crane collapse
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigators must “end the delay” and publish initial findings on the causes of a fatal crane collapse at a housing association development in east London last month, a union has said.
Unite the Union, the UK’s largest union and the primary workers’ organisation for the construction industry, said the findings were needed to reassure the affected community that the site is safe and help prevent further similar incidents.
It comes after Tower Hamlets Council warned last week that removing the fallen crane – which crashed through a partially built block of flats and a row of occupied houses – could take up to six months.
June Harvey, 85, was killed when the 20-metre crane fell through the roof above her in July and four others were injured during the incident.
Nearly 100 people from 26 households were forced to leave their homes, which are owned by Gateway Housing Association.
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The crane was being used by Swan Housing Association and its construction arm, Nu Living, to build its Watts Grove development.
Switzerland-headquarted firm Wolffkran owned the crane involved and two of its employees were admitted to hospital following the incident.
Jerry Swain, national officer for construction at Unite, said: “It is vital that the HSE ends the delay and publishes its initial findings into the reasons why a crane tragically collapsed in Bow in July.
“The HSE cannot be seen to be trying to sweep the investigation into this accident under the carpet. It is already nearly seven weeks since the accident occurred.
“The company concerned and the workers involved have a cloud of suspicion hanging over them and this is almost certainly unfair.”
If the initial findings cannot be published, he added, then the HSE “must publicly say why and what is causing that delay”.
A spokesperson for the HSE said: “HSE extends its thoughts and sympathies to the family and friends of June Harvey and to all those affected by this tragic incident.
“The Metropolitan Police currently retains primacy for the investigation with direct support and assistance from HSE, and it is progressing in line with the work-related deaths protocol.
“HSE are providing civil engineering, geotechnical, mechanical engineering and lifting operations specialist input. HSE are also providing advice and support to the recovery teams to ensure the preservation of evidence. The recovery operation is extremely complex and may take some time.
“HSE recognises the interests of Unite and others, and want to provide reassurance that we are committed to supporting the investigation to identify any immediate and underlying causes contributing to the collapse.”
Swan has promised transparency and full support for the investigations into the incident.
The investigation, which involves the Met, the HSE and London Fire Brigade, continues and no arrests have been made.
