In his latest article, Colin Craney, expert consultant-engineer based at leading lift consultancy, SVM Associates, turns his attention to the current state of health and safety across the vertical-transportation and lift industry in Elevator World’s “Consultant’s Voice” column.
The piece, titled “Industry Health and Safety”, explores how, despite advances in technology, many of the underlying safety practices in the UK remain alarmingly unchanged.
Craney doesn’t spare criticism:
“Technology has undoubtedly advanced … our management practice and general level of understanding, training and application have not advanced to the same extent, or to a standard which reflects how we like to portray our industry.”
He goes on to challenge the culture of “self-regulation” that has blossomed following enforcement budget cuts:
“The deregulation, together with cuts in local authority and HSE budgets, have left us with self-regulation which, in the absence of enforcement and pre-emptive action, more often leaves us in an almost unregulated environment where almost anything goes.”
Throughout the article, Craney assesses not just the visible technical hazards but the systemic weaknesses, from design non-compliance and poor training to industry structure and workforce development, that threaten safety, reputation and resilience. He argues that future hazards will emerge not just from machines, but from the fragmented culture surrounding them.
Read more here – Click on the image to read the full article
Colin Craney has 42 years of industry experience, initially in a number of field and management roles with Otis, followed by 17 years in consulting, currently for SVM Associates. Colin is a U.K. chartered engineer and a fellow of CIBSE, European engineer, chartered safety and health practitioner, accredited consultant on the HSE Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register and a member of the Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Colin is a barrister, having been called to the bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
Established in 2004, SVM Associates pride ourselves on our industry expertise, persistent attention to detail, personable working style and unique approach to all aspects of building services, including; Lifts, Escalators and Facade Access, Mechanical Electrical and Public Health and Facilities Management.
