The title of the article ‘“Generally” safe to walk past crane’ (June 16) implies there is a recognised margin for error.

What is even more surprising is the fact that the Occupational Health and Safety Authority considers it normal practice that pedestrians walk freely under a crane in operation with a load of up 3,500kg being swung about.

In these situations, an accident can happen as was seen not very long ago in Bisazza Street, Sliema when a load came undone from its hook and fell on a pedestrian. There was great consternation but no change in practices.

In order to increase safety and reduce risks to a minimum, I would suggest the OHSA promote ‘best work practices’ for the different types of construction plant and equipment as well as standardise training and licensing of crane drivers and riggers after undergoing an appropriate course.

Technical inspectors should go out in the field to make sure tower cranes and other construction equipment are regularly checked for their state of maintenance. In addition, the machinery to be used should have valid certification from an engineer before employment on a new project.

The matter of insurance requires serious thought. When, in my street, a new project was built under a tower crane, the developer refused to provide our association of apartments under the reach of the crane with copies of the contractor’s ‘Construction All Risk’ or third party liability cover. Our individual home insurance policies provided no cover against damage caused by a tower crane. This area requires an overhaul because in other countries such risks are insurable.

The matter of air pollution requires attention too. Most of the big diesel engines on cranes, bulldozers, shovels, mobile generators, excavators, hydraulic rock chisels and so on are not subjected to the VRT tests and belch out clouds of black smoke. I believe here is another great task awaiting the OHSA.