One of a free 84 part series on construction safety talks. Available in English and Spanish.

1. Construction Safety Talks
Crane Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk.
Signals Most crane operations require a signal because the operator can
not see the load or the load is so far away that the operator has
No. 9 difficulty judging the distance from obstacles. Here’s what could
happen without a signal person.
• attempting a hoist before the load is secured,
How This Talk
Applies To My • lowering the load on top of people in a trench, or
Crew:
• swinging the boom into a energized power line.
The signal person helps the operator keep control of the situation
and operate the crane safely.
To operate the crane safely three things are important:
• the operator must see the signal person (or be in voice
contact via radio or telephone) at all times,
• the signals they give the operator must be clear and correct,
• both operator and signal person must understand the
meaning of each signal.
Problems That Can Happen
• As the boom swings, the operator can loose sight of the
signal person if they don't stay within the operator's field of
vision.
• Sloppy or carelessly given signals are the same as
mumbling when you talk. The operator would like to yell
"what did you say?" but they can't. There's no signal for
"Stop mumbling, I can't hear you." When careless signals
are given to the operator, they won't be sure what to do, or
worse, may mistake the signal for another one, which may
cause an accident.
• It’s tough giving the right signals to the operator if the signal
person is not paying attention. When you are the signal
person, be sure that you're giving 100% to the job.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 1

2. Crane Operator Safety Tips
• If you are ever in doubt, stop and wait for the signal to be repeated.
• Take signals from only one signal person at a time. The location and number of
signal persons needed should be agreed on before the lift.
• The only time you pay attention to someone not designated to give signals is
when they signal emergency stop.
• Know who and where your signal person is at all times. Know where all the
people are who are working near you. If there are any doubts, clear it up before
starting the lift.
• Both operator and signal person(s) must know each crane signal. No exceptions.
If non-standard signals are needed, discuss them before the lift.
Try This For Show And Tell!
Call out the names of 5 to 7 crane signals and ask the group to demonstrate them. If
you see some workers hesitating or making mistakes, suggest that they review them
again.
Questions You Can Use To Get Them Talking:
• What is the most important signal that every worker must know?
• Can anyone give an example of how a bad signal—or no signal—can cause an
accident?
• Has anyone ever had an accident, or know of one involving incorrect crane
signals?
Attended By:
The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at
the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the
appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 2