NCCCO Foundation Rigging and Signaling Report Highlights Crane Communication Risks
30-Second Takeaway
A new NCCCO Foundation rigging and signaling report, developed with the National Safety Council’s Work to Zero programme, identifies communication and workforce consistency as significant crane safety concerns. Ninety-eight per cent of survey respondents reported communication challenges during lifts within the previous 90 days. The research also highlights nonstandard signals, production pressure, inadequate supervision and distraction as contributors to risk. Its recommendations include reinforcing standard signals, supporting rigger and signalperson certification, and strengthening site-level supervisor training.
NCCCO Foundation Rigging and Signaling Report
The NCCCO Foundation (NCCCOF) and National Safety Council (NSC) have released The State of Rigging and Signaling in Crane Operations. The study establishes a baseline understanding of current practices, examining how technical, human and organisational factors influence risk during crane operations.
Its findings place particular emphasis on communication between those directing, rigging and operating a lift, alongside the working conditions that affect their decisions.
The report is available to download free through the foundation’s safety research page.
98 Per Cent Reported Communication Challenges
Ninety-eight per cent of survey respondents experienced communication challenges during crane lifts within the preceding 90 days. The finding highlights the importance of consistent communication methods and pre-lift planning, particularly where multiple people must coordinate load movement.
The percentage describes the respondents’ experience of communication challenges. It does not mean that 98 per cent of lifts resulted in an incident.
The report also identifies nonstandard signaling practices as a source of confusion and increased jobsite risk.
Production Pressure and Supervision Influence Rigging Safety
The research found that human and organisational factors contributed to unsafe rigging practices more frequently than technical errors. These factors included production pressure, inadequate supervision and worker distraction.
The findings broaden the focus beyond equipment selection and rigging technique. They point to the importance of how work is scheduled, supervised and communicated, and whether crews have the support needed to carry out the planned operation.
Site-level leadership therefore forms part of the report’s recommended approach to improving consistency.
Certification Viewed Positively by Industry Peers
Respondents consistently viewed certified riggers and signalpersons as more effective than personnel without certification. The finding suggests that standardised training and certification can help establish a more consistent foundation of knowledge across the workforce. It reflects peer assessments within the research, rather than a guarantee of performance on every lift. The report recommends supporting certification requirements alongside practical measures such as standard signaling and supervisor development.
Recommendations Target Consistency Across the Lift Team
The recommendations focus on strengthening the people and processes that support crane operations. Priorities include reinforcing the use of standard signals, supporting rigger and signalperson certification, and investing in site-level supervisor training.
T.J. Cantwell, NCCCO Foundation Executive Director, said:
“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. 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.”
Download the Report and Access Webinar Resources
The State of Rigging and Signaling in Crane Operations is available alongside other crane safety research reports from the NCCCO Foundation.
The foundation hosted a webinar on 29 September 2026 to discuss the findings and recommendations, with industry contributions from Morrow Equipment.
The session is listed on its educational webinar page.
About NCCCO Foundation
The NCCCO Foundation supports crane industry safety, education and workforce development through research, educational resources and training opportunities.
Its activities include safety studies, webinars, industry forums and workforce research. The foundation also offers scholarships supporting initial crane operator, rigger and signalperson training and CCO certification.
Through its partnership with NSC’s Work to Zero initiative, the foundation has developed research covering crane industry hazards, potential technology solutions, heat stress, certification, and rigging and signaling.
Official website: www.ncccofoundation.org
About National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is a US nonprofit safety organisation whose work encompasses research, education, training and advocacy.
Established in 1913, NSC works with employers and other organisations to reduce preventable deaths and injuries. Its resources address workplace safety as well as risks on roads and in communities.
Its Work to Zero programme focuses on eliminating workplace fatalities through the use of technology, helping employers understand risks and evaluate safety innovations. The crane research partnership with NCCCOF contributes industry-specific evidence to that wider effort.
Official website: www.nsc.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the report called?
The report is titled The State of Rigging and Signaling in Crane Operations.
Who produced the research?
The NCCCO Foundation developed it with the National Safety Council’s Work to Zero programme.
What was the main communication finding?
Ninety-eight per cent of survey respondents reported communication challenges during crane lifts within the previous 90 days.
What improvements does the report recommend?
Recommendations include standard signals, support for rigger and signalperson certification, and stronger site-level supervisor training.
Where can the report be downloaded?
It is available free through the NCCCO Foundation safety research page linked above.
