Pro tip: I realized my hand signals were a total mess after a new guy in Houston asked me to repeat them three times in a row.

Has anyone else had to completely relearn their signal calls because of a confusing moment on site?

3 comments

3 Comments

Remember my "stop" signal was basically jazz hands until a crane operator just stared at me while a load kept swinging. Had to go home and practice in the mirror like a weirdo, using actual clear motions. My "go left" used to be a vague wave that could also mean "hi" or "I see a bee." Now it's a stiff, robotic point that leaves no room for doubt. Felt like learning a whole new language just to avoid causing chaos.

xena5823d ago

Oh man, I used to think those signals were overkill, but hearing this totally changed my mind.

mark_green3d ago

Emma96's story about the crane operator hits home. Ever think about how your own body language messes with the signals? I caught myself nodding while giving a "stop" once, totally mixed the message. Had to train myself to keep my head still, like a statue, only moving the arms. Makes you realize half the battle is unlearning all your normal, chatty habits just to be clear.