IC's big eye on the web

This month we logged onto http://signal-rite.org, a site providing training to improve communications between crane operators and signallers. The site is run by former crane operators Jeff York and Bruce Maes, who between them have more than 50 years of experience operating mobile and tower cranes. The two men both became frustrated with what they describe as the gap in communication between operators and signallers and decided that those workers providing signals should be trained to the same level as those operating cranes.

The two men, with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, have developed a standardised crane signalling programme that they claim improves productivity and safety on site.

Services offered include site visits to train staff and custom-made videos for crane users that can be shown to new employees. In addition to training the signallers, York and Maes offer training to operators to ensure that that both parties are learning the same methods of communication.

York and Maes are quick to point out that it is equally important for the operator to understand the new “language” being taught to their signallers.

Apart from signalling training, other services offered include rigging and tower crane operation, the specialities of York and Maes when they were operating cranes.