Almost all crane professionals experience communication challenges during lifting operations, according to new research from the National Safety Council and NCCCO Foundation.
The State of Rigging and Signaling in Crane Operations report found that 98% of survey respondents had experienced communication difficulties during crane lifts within the previous 90 days.
Crane fatalities examined
The research was developed through interviews with industry experts, a survey of crane professionals and a review of existing research.
Between 2015 and 2024, 405 crane-related fatalities were recorded in the United States.
Only 29% involved crane or tower operators, highlighting risks faced by riggers, signalpersons and other workers operating around lifting activities.
Signalling practices create risks
The research identified nonstandard signalling practices as a source of confusion and increased risk on worksites.
NSC and NCCCO Foundation highlighted stronger communication and planning before lifts as areas requiring attention.
Human and organisational factors were also identified as significant contributors to unsafe rigging practices.
These included production pressures, inadequate supervision and worker distraction, which respondents identified more frequently than technical errors.
Crane training and certification
Certified riggers and signalpersons were consistently regarded by their peers as more effective than personnel without certification.
The report suggests that standardised training and certification can help improve consistency across the workforce.
The research was published through the NSC Work to Zero initiative, in partnership with McElhattan Foundation and with funding from NCCCO Foundation.
NSC and NCCCO Foundation have collaborated on crane safety research, tools and resources since 2023.
The organisations will host a webinar on 29 September 2026 to examine the findings and discuss practical approaches to improving rigging, signalling and communication during crane operations.
Dr. Matt Law, Director of Work to Zero at NSC, said: “Safe crane operations depend on clear communication, careful planning and a workplace culture that empowers workers to speak up and effectively use safe work practices.
“This research shows how human and organisational factors influence safety outcomes and provides employers with practical recommendations to strengthen communication, reduce risk and help prevent serious incidents and fatalities.”
T.J. Cantwell, Executive Director at the NCCCO Foundation, said: “This report shows that rigging and signaling both play important parts in implementing a safe lift from start to finish.
“It’s clear more needs to be done to ensure people are trained in the use of proper rigging and signaling standards, and that those standards are being adhered to in the field in order to improve safety for everyone working with cranes.”
