We would use gotcha system for rescue of crane driver in the event he becomes ill or unconcious and if only one crane on site.Does anybody else use this system and does it work in practice?

Fitz yes it does work and is as good as anything on the market. As Phil says training is the key and ensuring the people you train are comfortable working at height. Remember you are asking somebody to put their mate in a stretcher or bosons chair and lower them over what could be a very great height. Their are other systems where training is given on site and using the actual crane superstructure the training is given by specialised working at height teams. This is more expensive but more effective as it ensures people can do it and at the required height. Ta Alex