In the Lifetime Subscibers forum Paul was asked about the recent issues and had this advice while the bugs are fixed, including colony and worker issues:
The only things I can think of at the moment are :
1) Don't build new food/water plants.
2) Remove workers from colonies you're upgrading.
As a side note, we should have it all fixed tomorrow - it's taking a little longer because it involves a slightly larger rewrite than I expected.
Paul
He did not approach the topic about the crash but I assume that is part of the work he was speaking of, although I will inquire.