A newly released research report is shedding light on safety challenges tied to rigging and signaling operations across the crane industry.
The report, published by the NCCCO Foundation and the Work to Zero program at the National Safety Council, examined current rigging and signaling practices and how technical, human, and organizational factors influence risk during crane operations.
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According to the study, communication remains one of the industry's biggest concerns. Researchers found that 98 percent of surveyed respondents experienced communication challenges during crane lifts within the previous 90 days. The report notes that stronger communication procedures and more thorough pre-lift planning could help address those issues.
The study also found that nonstandard signaling practices continue to create confusion on jobsites, increasing the potential for incidents during lifting operations.
Researchers determined that human and organizational factors, including production pressure, inadequate supervision, and worker distraction, contribute to unsafe rigging practices more frequently than technical errors.
“The report confirms the importance of rigging and signaling in conducting a safe lift and highlights the fact that inconsistency in training and standardization in these key roles is increasing the risks for those working with cranes on the jobsite,” said T.J. Cantwell, Executive Director, NCCCO Foundation. “It’s clear implementing the recommendations in the report such as reinforcing the use of standard signals, supporting certification requirements for riggers and signalpersons, and investing in site-level supervisor training could make a significant impact on crane safety.”
The report also found that certified riggers and signalpersons were consistently viewed by their peers as more effective than non-certified personnel. Researchers indicated that standardized training and certification may help improve workforce consistency while supporting safer lifting practices.
To further discuss the study's findings, the NCCCO Foundation will host a webinar on September 29. The event will feature discussion of the research results and recommendations, along with insights from industry representatives at Morrow Equipment on improving rigging and signaling safety. To attend the free webinar, sign up at https://bit.ly/stateofrigandsigwebinar.
The NCCCO Foundation is a charitable organization established in 2018 to promote industry safety through education, research, and workforce development initiatives. The organization supports efforts to improve safety practices and workforce development throughout crane and lifting industries.
For more information, visit www.ncccofoundation.org.