Sep 10 • Communication Failures
Radio Failure During a Blind Lift
A tower crane was moving a load behind a structure where the crane operator could no longer see either the load or landing area.
The Slinger/Signaller was directing the operation by radio.
Halfway through the movement, the radio transmission became intermittent.
The operator heard:
“Slew left slowly… keep…”
Then silence.
Instead of immediately stopping, the crane continued moving for several seconds because the operator assumed the slinger wanted the movement to continue.
The load approached the structure before the operation was stopped.
What Went Wrong
- Communication was lost during a blind movement.
- The operator continued based on an assumption.
- No effective lost-communication procedure was followed.
- Radio condition/coverage may not have been adequately checked.
- The load was moving where the operator could not independently verify clearance.
Key Lessons Learned
During a blind lift, the radio can effectively become the operator’s eyes on the ground.
If those instructions disappear, the operator should not guess what the next instruction would have been.
The agreed principle should be simple:
NO COMMUNICATION = NO MOVEMENT.
The exception is any movement specifically required by an established emergency procedure to make the situation safe.
Safety Recommendations
- Test radios before starting.
- Check communication from the actual lifting and landing positions.
- Agree a lost-communication procedure.
- Use clear crane and signaller call signs.
- Stop movement when communication is lost or unclear.
- Restore positive communication before restarting.
- Consider suitable backup communication arrangements for critical blind lifts.
Regulatory Mapping
● LOLER Reg. 8 – Lifting operations must be properly planned, supervised and safely carried out.
● PUWER Reg. 9 – Adequate information, instruction and training.
● BS 7121 principles – Effective communication and signalling throughout crane operations.
Key Point
Never think:
“He probably meant keep going.”
When the operator cannot see the load, silence is not permission to continue.
Radio lost = movement stops.
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Radio Failure During a Blind Lift
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