Nearly All Surveyed Crane Professionals Report Communication Problems during Lifts
Most workers killed in crane accidents since 2015 were not the operator, the report found.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Sep 23, 2026
Workers involved in crane operations face communication and rigging risks linked more frequently to production pressure, inadequate supervision and distraction than to technical errors, a new study from the National Safety Council (NSC) and National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators Foundation (NCCCO Foundation) found.
The State of Rigging and Signaling in Crane Operations report found that 98% of survey respondents had experienced communication challenges during crane lifts within the previous 90 days. Researchers identified stronger communication and pre-lift planning as areas requiring attention.
Nonstandard signaling practices contribute to confusion and increased jobsite risk, the report found. Human and organizational factors, including production pressure, inadequate supervision and worker distraction, contributed to unsafe rigging practices more frequently than technical errors.
Survey respondents consistently viewed certified riggers and signalpersons as more effective than workers without certification. The researchers said standardized training and certification may help improve consistency across crane operations.
The findings are based on interviews with industry experts, a survey of crane professionals and a review of existing research. NSC reported 405 crane-related fatalities in the United States between 2015 and 2024.
Crane and tower operators accounted for 29% of those deaths, meaning workers other than operators accounted for the remaining 71%.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.