A crane oiler was crushed between counterweights and the superstructure (base) of a rotating mobile crane. The victim and the crane operator had a habit of rotating the crane while the victim was not clear of the superstructure. This unsafe practice allowed the victim to signal when crane and counterweights were aligned. On the fatal day, they made eye contact as usual, then the operator turned to the controls. Without communicating his intention, the victim climbed up on the crane. The investigation suggests he may have removed a shackle left on the counterweights. As the operator swung the crane around, he heard […]