Training Riggers: The Role of Crane Hand Signals in Ensuring Safety

Written by Staff Writer

Cranes make heavy work possible, but only when everyone on the ground and in the cab understands each other. When the operator can’t see the load, the landing spot or the crew, a trained signal person becomes the operator’s eyes. That person’s hand movements, body position and attention to the lift decide whether the load lands safely or swings somewhere it shouldn’t.

This article walks through how hand signals for riggers work, what OSHA expects, why crews should use a designated signaler and how online instruction fits in. It’s written for workers who move loads on construction sites, in industrial yards or at plants where cranes, hoists and rigging equipment are part of the job. 

The goal is simple: Help each rigger understand the signaling system well enough to keep everyone safe and efficient on the job.

Why Signals Matter

Crane incidents rarely stem from equipment failure. They happen when someone loses sight of a load, the operator can’t spot a hazard or the crew disagrees about the next step. A qualified spotter bridges that gap.

When the operator doesn’t have a full view of the path of travel, OSHA requires a qualified signal person under 29 CFR 1926.1419. This is one of several situations where a signal person is mandatory.

That person tells the operator when to hoist, lower, stop, swing or boom out. Clear signals cut down on guesswork, prevent line-of-fire incidents and reduce the chance of striking power lines, structures or other workers.

A jobsite that values signaling also moves faster. One coordinator manages flow, the operator trusts the motions being watched and materials end up exactly where intended, all without wasted time or second attempts. Sounds efficient, right?

The Role of the Signal Person

A signal person is more than someone waving their arms. OSHA expects that person to know standard signals, understand crane dynamics and stay in a position where the operator can clearly see the signals. If radios are used, the signaler has to speak clearly and use agreed-upon phrases.

A good signal person will:

• Stand in a safe, visible location.
• Use the standard hand signals without improvising.
• Watch the load and the path, not just the operator.
• Stop the lift immediately if something looks wrong.

For workers who need to tie these duties to formal training, OSHA Education Center offers online options for crane operator safety training, as well as a foundational basic rigging principles course that explains how loads move and how to communicate during a lift.

Hand Signals Everyone on a Construction Site Should Know

OSHA points to specific hand signals for crane operations. Using the same ones on every job keeps mixed crews from inventing site-specific gestures that confuse operators.

Hoist

One arm is raised with the index finger pointing up and making small circles. This tells the operator to raise the load.

Lower

One arm is pointed downward with the index finger making small circles. The operator lowers the load in response.

Stop

One arm is extended to the side, palm down. This is a clear, immediate stop. For an emergency stop, both arms are extended with palms down and moved back and forth. That tells the operator that something is wrong and to stop right now. 

Swing

The arm is extended and pointed in the direction the boom or load should swing. Movements should be firm and easy to read from the cab.

Boom Signals

Using the arm to indicate boom movement tells the operator to change the angle of the boom, not to raise or lower the load line. That difference matters when the crane is near a structure or power line.

These signals must be performed where the operator can see them clearly. If visibility is blocked or the lift involves multiple blind spots, crews may switch to voice or radio signals, but those have to follow the same logic. 

Why Online Training Works

Good online training will:

1. Teach common signals with clear visuals so learners can practice them.
2. Explain OSHA’s crane rules in plain language.
3. Provide a digital certificate of completion right after the course.
4. Let the learner move at their own pace from any device.

That’s the approach OSHA Education Center takes. Its online courses help workers understand federal safety expectations, and they provide instant proof of completion that employers can file with other safety records. For many companies, it’s a cost-effective way to get new hires up to speed before they ever touch a load.

Taking the Next Step

Workers who want to become the go-to signal person on their crew can start with online options such as the Rigging and Material Handling course and the Crane Safety in Industrial and Construction Environments program. 

Employers who want a deeper understanding can point their teams to the full OSHA Education Center course catalog so everyone is speaking the same safety language.

Learn the signals, practice them and use them every time the operator can’t see the load. That’s how a crew stays compliant, protects people on the ground and keeps lifts on schedule.