Building Competent Teams for Safer Lifting Operations
In lifting operations, people are the first and most critical safety layer. Even the best-maintained crane and the most detailed lifting plan can fail if the personnel involved are not competent, clearly defined, and properly coordinated.
At SmartLift, we call this the Personnel Axis — one of the three pillars of our safety philosophy: People, Equipment, and Procedures. These axes must work together like gears in a system — and the Personnel Axis begins with having the right people, with the right profiles, in the right roles.
Why the Personnel Axis Matters
According to OSHA, more than 60% of crane-related accidents are linked to human factors — such as inadequate training, unclear roles, or poor communication between the lifting crew.
The key to preventing these incidents is not only to train your personnel but also to define their roles and qualifications within your lifting procedures.
When job descriptions, competency requirements, and responsibilities are clearly documented, your teams know exactly what’s expected — and your supervisors can verify compliance before every lift.
The Three Key Roles in Safe Lifting Operations
Every lifting operation involves at least three core safety roles:
Crane Operator
Controls the lift and equipment.
Rigger
Prepares, secures, and balances the load.
Signal Person
Manages communication between operator and ground crew.
Each of these positions carries specific responsibilities, and all must meet the qualification requirements established by OSHA and ASME standards.
Let’s take a closer look at each role — and why documenting their profiles inside your lifting procedures is essential.
1. The Crane Operator – Precision and Control
The operator is the person controlling the lifting equipment, making split-second decisions that affect the safety of everyone on site.
Standards:
- Must be certified by an accredited crane operator testing organization (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427).
- Must demonstrate knowledge and practical competence in equipment setup, load charts, signaling, and power line clearance.
Employers must evaluate and document operator performance regularly.
Why Include This Profile in Procedures:
Embedding the operator profile in your lifting procedures ensures only qualified and currently certified personnel are assigned to operate cranes. It also helps site supervisors confirm compliance quickly and maintain traceable competency records.
2. The Rigger – The Backbone of Load Security
The rigger prepares and secures the load, choosing the correct rigging gear, calculating angles, and ensuring stability throughout the lift.
Standards:
- Must be a qualified rigger, as defined in OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1401 and 1926.1404(r)(1).
- Qualification can be based on a recognized certificate or demonstrated experience and skill.
Must follow ASME B30.9 (Slings) and ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware) standards for proper equipment use.
Why Include This Profile in Procedures:
Your lifting procedure should clearly state what “qualified” means for riggers in your company — what certifications, training hours, and experience are required. This prevents unqualified personnel from being assigned to critical rigging tasks and ensures accountability in every lift.
3. The Signal Person – The Voice of Safety
The signal person acts as the communication link between operator and ground crew, especially when visibility is limited.
Standards:
- Must be qualified under OSHA 1926.1428.
- Must demonstrate mastery of hand signals, radio communication, and crane limitations.
Must maintain constant and exclusive communication with the operator during the lift.
Why Include This Profile in Procedures:
Your procedures should define the signal person’s qualifications, evaluation process, and communication protocols. Standardizing these criteria eliminates confusion and ensures that every lift has one clear voice guiding the operation.
The Importance of Including Personnel Profiles in Procedures
Many companies train their personnel — but forget to embed role definitions, qualifications, and responsibilities directly in their lifting procedures. This is a critical gap.
Here’s why including personnel profiles in procedures is essential:
✅ Consistency: Everyone follows the same criteria for assigning roles.
✅ Verification: Supervisors can easily check that personnel meet the minimum qualifications.
✅ Accountability: Clear responsibilities prevent role overlap and miscommunication.
✅ Compliance: Demonstrates alignment with OSHA 1926 and ASME B30 standards.
✅ Incident Prevention: Reduces human error by ensuring competent, authorized people perform each task.
When your procedures clearly define who can perform what role — and under what qualifications — your Personnel Axis becomes measurable, auditable, and far more reliable.
Measuring the Strength of Your Personnel Axis
Leading companies track metrics to ensure their teams remain compliant and capable, such as:
- % of operators with valid certification
- % of riggers and signal persons qualified per procedure
- Frequency of refresher training completed
Observed non-compliance trends during audits
The SmartLift Advantage
At SmartLift, we help organizations:
- Define and document competency profiles for every lifting role.
- Integrate personnel qualification criteria into company procedures and lifting plans.
- Conduct training and refresher programs for operators, riggers, and signal persons.
- Audit crews and verify compliance with OSHA 1926 and ASME B30 standards.