In a 2007 investigation of the accident, the Department of Labor & Industries blamed a custom-made base for the collapse.
“The inadequate design of the tower crane base clearly led to the collapse of the structure,” said Steve Cant, assistant director for L&I’s division of occupational safety and health. “The problem was compounded by the failure of the general contractor to maintain and inspect the crane base in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.”
The L&I violation cited Lease Crutcher Lewis for failing to ensure that the crane was inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. That language was modified to state that the employer did not obtain third-party oversight of the design of the non-standard tower crane base in use at its Tower 333 work site. The new crane safety law signed by the Governor in 2007 requires this third-party oversight.
Lease Crutcher Lewis agreed to pay the penalty of $9,200, which was the amount originally cited, and to not appeal any further.
A second violation, specifically not related to the crane failure, had to do with installing a sign on the tower crane that exceeded size recommendations. The violation was affirmed, and L&I acknowledged that its investigation found no evidence that the sign contributed in any way to the collapse of the tower crane.
“We’re pleased that L&I and Lease Crutcher Lewis were able to arrive at an agreement that furthers our cooperative efforts to create safer workplaces,” said Steve Cant, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health. “Lease Crutcher Lewis continues to have an outstanding safety record with L&I, as shown by the company’s inspection history and lower than average workers’ compensation claims costs.”
The appeal of engineering firm Magnusson Klemencic of a citation and $5,600 fine, is still pending, according to an Associated Press report.
