Three Companies Fined In Deadly Seattle Crane Collapse

SEATTLE, WA — The Department of Labor & Industries has cited and fined three companies for safety violations in connection with an April crane collapse that killed four in Seattle. A six-month investigation by L&I found that the crane collapsed after the pins that helped hold it together were removed prematurely during disassembly. With the pins removed, a 45 mph wind gust toppled it, bringing the crane crashing down onto Mercer Street. According to L&I, with the pins properly in place, a tower crane can withstand much higher gusts. The crane's collapse killed four people, including two workers who were on the crane and two others in the cars below.

“When crane safety regulations are not followed in this industry, it can be catastrophic,” said Anne Soiza, L&I’s assistant director.

Three of the five companies involved in the construction project were fined $107,200 combined. L&I said the tower crane's owner, Morrow Equipment, committed a "willful serious violation" for not following the crane manufacturer's procedure and approving the removal of the pins. L&I cited GLY Construction for three serious violations, including not having a supervisor on-site at all times during disassembly or accounting for weather conditions. Northwest Tower Crane Services received three citations for not following procedure and inadequately training workers.

L&I said investigators spent hundreds of hours interviewing workers and company brass and investigating the aftermath. Guidance issued in June asked companies to start reporting to L&I when cranes are being assembled or disassembled so that the agency can occasionally perform spot checks.

“This tragic event must not be repeated,” said Joel Sacks, L&I's director.

“We expect all companies to follow manufacturers’ procedures and have a single point of authority overseeing crane assembly or disassembly. There has to be one person on site who knows the rules and is in charge.”

Money from the fines is placed into a workers' compensation supplemental pension fund. Employers have 15 days to appeal the citation. Seattle Police Department's violent crimes detectives are working to determine if any criminal charges are warranted.