Call or email us anytime
(805) 484-0333
Search Guide
Today is Friday, March 29, 2024 -

News Articles

L&I Cites Three Firms Connected to Fatal Crane Collapse

  • State: Washington
  • Topic: WEST
  • - Popular with: Insurance
  • -  0 shares

The Washington state Department of Labor & Industries fined three companies more than $100,000 combined for workplace safety violations uncovered during the investigation of a fatal crane collapse.

L&I said its nearly six-month investigation into the April 27 collapse in Seattle concluded that the companies were not following the manufacturer’s procedures to properly dismantle the crane tower. Among other things, nearly all the pins and sleeves holding the crane together were removed prematurely, the department said in a statement.

“With the pins removed, the tower was significantly weakened, making it susceptible to the 45-plus miles per hour wind gust that toppled it,” L&I said. “When the pins are in place, tower cranes can withstand much stronger gusts.”

Four people were killed when the crane fell, including two workers who were at the top of the crane, and two people in cars below.

The tower crane is owned by Morrow Equipment LLC and was leased by GLY Construction for the project. Northwest Tower Crane Services provided the dismantling crew.

Morrow Equipment, which approved the removal of the pins from the tower, was cited for one willful serious violation for not following the crane manufacturer’s procedures.

The company was fined $70,000.

L&I cited GLY Construction for three serious violations, including not having a qualified supervisor and other personnel on site at all times during the disassembly operations; not ensuring the manufacturer’s procedures were followed; and not accounting for weather conditions. GLY was fined $25,200.

Northwest Tower Crane Services was cited for three serious violations, including not following the manufacturer’s procedures, not ensuring workers understood their assigned duties, and inadequate training. The firm faces $12,000 in fines.

The employers have 15 business days to appeal the citations.

In June, the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued a hazard alert stressing proper procedures for assembling and dismantling tower cranes. The alert says crane companies must follow manufacturers’ procedures. It also reinforces that pins and other connectors should be removed for only the individual crane segment that is being lifted.

DOSH has also asked companies to report when they are assembling or disassembling tower cranes. Several have done so, and the agency has performed a number of spot inspections as a result.

No Comments

Log in to post a comment

Close


Do not post libelous remarks. You are solely responsible for the postings you input. By posting here you agree to hold harmless and indemnify WorkCompCentral for any damages and actions your post may cause.

Advertisements

Upcoming Events

  • May 13-15, 2024

    NCCI's Annual Insights Symposi

    Join us May 13–15, 2024, for NCCI's Annual Insights Symposium (AIS) 2024, the industry’s premier e …

  • Jul 29 – Aug 2, 2024

    76th Annual SAWCA Convention

    SAVE THE DATE! 76th Annual SAWCA Convention July 29 – August 2, 2024 Hotel Effie Sandestin 1 Grand …

  • Aug 14-17, 2024

    CSIMS 2024 Annual Dual Track C

    California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery (CSIMS) is combining its two conferences, PI …

Workers' Compensation Events

Social Media Links


WorkCompCentral
c/o Business Insurance Holdings, Inc.
PO Box 1010
Greenwich, CT 06836
(805) 484-0333