Construction union UCATT have warmly welcomed the Government's commitment to introduce a statutory register for tower cranes.

The need for a statutory register has been a key demand of UCATT and other construction safety campaigners in order to improve crane safety, following a series of high profile fatal crane accidents in recent years.

The announcement of the Government's support for a statutory registration scheme was made today by James Purnell the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in an interview for Building Magazine.

Mr Purnell is responsible for the Health and Safety Executive who will administer the register. A voluntary registration scheme will be introduced prior to the statutory register coming into effect. Mr Purnell said he hoped the statutory register would be in place by April 2010.

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Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "James Purnell should be applauded for his support for a statutory register. The knowledge that tower cranes will be correctly installed and in a safe condition is a massive reassurance for our members. A tower crane collapse is terrifying and could lead to the death of the crane driver, workers on the ground, or passers by. Everything possible must be done to ensure that tower crane collapses are confined to history."

UCATT are also campaigning for the introduction of specific qualifications in tower crane erecting. Currently there are only general qualifications for the installation of large plant. A specific tower crane qualification that has to be renewed on a periodic basis will further improve safety.

Mr Ritchie, added: "Erecting tower cranes is highly skilled work. It is imperative that a specific qualification is introduced. Unskilled workers are potentially placing themselves and others in danger."

(GK/JM)