Questions have been raised over the safety of building works in Islington after members of the public reported seeing objects fall from a crane.
The London Square construction site on Leonard Street, where a block of luxury flats and offices are being developed, uses a large crane to lift materials on to the upper levels of the development.
Complaints filed online say the crane is carrying loads over the heads of people walking along the street. Members of the public have also reported loose objects falling from the crane onto the road and pavement below.
“Today an object – fortunately only a drinks bottle – fell from the lifted object and hit the pathway. Fortunately it didn’t hit anyone. This is an irresponsible risk.” said one anonymous complainant.
A London Square spokesperson said: “We take Health & Safety very seriously at London Square and have systems in place dealing with Lifting Operations. We are aware of a complaint to the HSE about the movement of equipment and materials across the road at our Leonard Street development.
“We are investigating this and will report back to the HSE. We have a stringent traffic management plan in place to monitor these movements at all times. Public safety is our primary concern.”
According to the Health and Safety Executive an “exclusion zone” must be made to protect workers and members of the public.
The official guideline states: “Loads should not be lifted over people working underneath,” adding that loading and unloading should “take place away from pedestrian areas.”
A spokesman from the Health and Safety Executive said that, since becoming aware of the complaints, they have launched an inquiry into the site. If the complaints are upheld then enforcement actions – which can range from improvement orders to legal prosecutions – may be made.
Not everyone in the area has been affected by the building works. Shopkeepers and café-owners on Leonard Street said that, while the building works increase traffic and noise levels, they had not noticed any problems with objects falling from the cranes.
Video: Paul Wright
