The problem that we have with cranes is that there appears that very little thought has been given to the interrelationship of cranes and helicopters. In parts of Europe there is a similar problem of overhead wires and helicopters.
Possibly some thought needs to be given to painting the boom in a high visibility colour together with the use of decent lighting at night and in reduced visibility. The effectiveness and efficiency of LED's has been staggering over the last couple of years. Could they be used to provide a better obstruction identification?
I must admit to wondering if rime ice had anything to do with the accident. I have seen it build up at an alarming rate on unheated parts of aircraft flying in similar conditions.