Court Opinion

ID: 9553791
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 19:35:17.519375+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:32:16.505685
License: Public Domain

Munson, J.
(dissenting) — The feasibility of safety measures suggested by an expert witness for plaintiff would present a jury question as to the negligence by Pacific Power & Light, if it can be said that Pacific Power & Light had a duty to take further safety precautions. I would hold as a matter of law that no duty existed under the circumstances set forth by the majority; consequently there was no genuine issue of material fact concerning negligence by Pacific Power & Light.
The concrete gate in the ditch resulted in an on-the-spot decision to remove it by using the 25-ton mobile crane with a 50-foot boom. This was not the use to which the crane had previously been put, nor was it within its contemplated use. This was also not the type of use which had been involved in either of the two prior incidents involving equipment and defendant’s line. The employees of the general contractor were aware of the location of the defendant’s line, as well as the circumstances of the two prior accidents. Yet, when the decision was made to use the crane to remove the concrete gate — an uncontemplated use that could not be foreseen by Pacific Power & Light — employees of the general contractor did not so inform Pacific Power & Light to seek their advice, recommendations, or approval. When a spur-of-the-moment decision is made to utilize this crane in a manner not contemplated by the parties, I would find as a matter of law that Pacific Power & Light had no duty to examine existing safety precautions or take further precautions without being notified of the intended use.
*796As to the defendant Gray & Osborne, I would affirm the summary judgment for the same reasons. Defendant Pacific Power & Light is not a baby-sitter for the contractor’s personnel. Without notice that the crane was to be put to this use, I would hold there was no duty owed by Gray & Osborne.
Petition for rehearing denied May 9, 1974.
Appealed to Supreme Court May 14, 1974.