The Notification of Tower Cranes Regulations were introduced last year following a spate of crane collapses.
But a Government commissioned review of safety laws published today by Professor Ragnar E Löfstedt said the register had done nothing to improve safety standards and should be scrapped.
The move has come under fire from chiefs at construction union Ucatt.
Acting general secretary George Guy said: “The latest fatality involving a tower crane was just a matter of weeks ago.
“Cranes by their very nature are dangerous especially if they are not properly maintained or erected. Rather than scrapping the register it should be extended to include all industries and all forms of cranes.”
The Löfstedt Review aims to rid industry of 50% of health and safety laws within three years.
The report also calls for a review of the Construction Design and Management Regulations.
Judith Hackitt, the Chair of HSE, said: “Professor Lofstedt’s insightful report will go a long way to refocusing health and safety in Great Britain on those things that matter – supporting those who want to do the right thing and reducing rates of work-related death, injury and ill health.
“We must have a system of health and safety which enables employers to make sensible and proportionate decisions about managing genuine workplace risks.
“Simplifying and streamlining the stock of regulations, focusing enforcement on higher risk businesses, clarifying requirements, and rebalancing the civil litigation system – these are all practical, positive steps.”