Bovis Lend Lease sets new industry standard for tower crane safety

Bovis Lend Lease UK has launched a new initiative across the business to increase safety during tower crane operations. The Crane Integrated Safety System (CISS), developed jointly by Bovis Lend Lease and Aspect International, increases visibility for tower crane operatives enhancing communications between operatives and their respective banksmen, and it is hoped that the CISS system will set new safety standards within the industry.

The initiative involves a Bluetooth based hand free communication system for use in tower crane operations. Having been through a series of successful trials and upgrades, and now in an agreement with sole software supplier Aspect International Limited, the CISS is fully operational and Bovis Lend Lease will be looking to roll out the system across the business on a project by project basis. In addition, through Aspect, the CISS will be available for use across the industry.

Nick Pollard, Chief Executive Officer, Bovis Lend Lease UK said: “The CISS is an important development for safer tower crane operations. With safety at the forefront of the Bovis Lend Lease business we are taking this forward across our projects with the ultimate goal that this system will become an industry standard. We hope that other contractors and crane operators follow our example and introduce the CISS on all sites.

“The CISS improves communications and visibility resulting in the safer slinging of loads, improved coordination between drivers and increased hook time. Without a shadow of doubt it will save lives and prevent serious injury and demonstrates how we can actually make a difference to the way in which the construction industry operates.”

Geoffrey Sinnerton, Managing Director of Aspect International added: “We are very excited to be working with Bovis Lend Lease on this crane safety initiative. Our trials have indicated that we can significantly improve safety in changing the way crane operations are conducted. Fluid and constant communications and feedback between banksmen and crane operators leads to enhanced safety with allied productivity benefits. ”

Aspect International’s collaboration with Bovis Lend Lease in the development of the CISS has at all times focused on achieving an industry standard system available to all, which will entirely improve on safety through state of the art video and audio communication and recording. Aspect International has worked, and will continue to work hand in hand, with Bovis Lend Lease to achieve enhanced safety now and in the future in the construction industry.