The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced that it has cited and fined three companies more than $100,000 for safety violations in connection with the fatal collapse of a tower crane that was being dismantled in Seattle April 27, 2019.

L&I's nearly 6-month investigation determined that the crane collapse was caused by the companies not following the manufacturer's procedures for dismantling the structure, including prematurely removing nearly all of the pins and sleeves that helped hold the crane together. With the pins removed, the tower was significantly weakened, making it susceptible to the 45-plus mph wind gust that toppled it. When the pins are in place, tower cranes can withstand much stronger gusts. Details here.