20d • Human Factors
When a Slinger Refuses to Follow Instructions
During a busy lifting operation, the Lift Supervisor identified an unsafe condition and instructed the slinger/signaller to stop and change the lifting method.
The instruction was clear.
However, the slinger believed his method was acceptable and continued preparing the load rather than acting on the supervisor’s direction.
A second instruction was required before the operation finally stopped.
This created an unnecessary confrontation during a safety-critical activity.
Experience is valuable, but experience does not give anyone permission to ignore the agreed lifting method or the person appointed to supervise the operation.
What Went Wrong
Clear instruction from the Lift Supervisor was ignored.
The slinger continued with his preferred method.
Personal judgement replaced the approved lifting arrangement.
The supervisor’s authority was challenged during a live operation.
Communication and teamwork broke down.
The operation was not stopped immediately when concerns were raised.
Key Lessons Learned
A good lifting team needs leadership and discipline.
The Lift Supervisor must be prepared to intervene.
The slinger must be prepared to listen.
If a supervisor says STOP, the immediate response should be to stop, not argue while the crane is moving.
Questions and disagreements can be discussed once the operation is safe.
Competence includes the ability to receive instructions, not simply give them.
Most importantly, leadership is not shouting louder.
Good leadership means recognising risk, communicating clearly and having the confidence to stop unsafe work.
Safety Recommendations
Establish the lifting team’s hierarchy during the pre-lift briefing.
Make stop-work authority clear to everyone.
Follow the approved lift plan and lifting methodology.
Stop immediately when a safety concern is raised.
Discuss disagreements with the load safely landed.
Escalate repeated refusal to follow safety instructions to site management.
Do not allow experience, personality or programme pressure to override the safe system of work.
Incident Source
Safety-learning scenario based on behaviour commonly encountered during UK construction lifting operations.
The scenario demonstrates how quickly an otherwise routine lift can become unsafe when instructions are ignored and individual judgement replaces coordinated teamwork.
Regulatory Mapping
● LOLER Reg. 8 – Lifting operations must be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out safely.
● PUWER Reg. 9 – Personnel must receive adequate information, instruction and training.
● CDM 2015 – Workers must cooperate with those responsible for managing health and safety.
● BS 7121 series – Lifting personnel require clearly defined responsibilities, effective communication and appropriate supervision.
Key Point
A lifting team cannot have everyone acting as the boss.
The Slinger controls the load.
The Operator controls the crane.
The Lift Supervisor controls the lifting operation.
And when someone says STOP because it’s unsafe, everyone stops.
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When a Slinger Refuses to Follow Instructions
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