Two-Way Radios & Jobsite Communication

Radios keep crews, operators and spotters connected across big, noisy sites. When radio use is sloppy, messages get missed, stepped on or misunderstood, and that can mean a swinging load, a backing truck, or a delayed emergency response.

• Construction
• General Industry

Set up a channel plan

• Each crew or task has an assigned channel, posted and covered at orientation
• Crane and rigging communication on a dedicated channel, free of other traffic
• An emergency channel or procedure everyone knows
• Radios tested and batteries charged at the start of the shift
• Spare batteries and radios available

How to talk on the radio

• Listen before you talk so you don’t step on someone else.
• Press the button, wait a second, then speak; keep messages short.
• Say who you’re calling, then who you are: “Crane 2, this is Signal.”
• Use plain language and standard words. Avoid slang that new workers or other trades won’t know.
• Repeat back critical instructions: “Copy, swing left slow.”
• Use “Stop” clearly and early. Anyone can call stop.

• Don’t chat on work channels, especially the crane channel.
• Don’t share confidential or personal information; radios can be overheard.
• Don’t use a radio while climbing or operating if it takes your hands or attention.

Crane and lift signals

When radio signals are used for crane operations, OSHA requires a dedicated channel for the lift (unless the operator and signal person agree otherwise for multiple cranes), testing before the lift, and the signal person identifying the crane before giving each direction. If communication is lost, the operator must stop. See Radio Signals for Cranes.

Emergencies

• Use the site’s emergency call, such as “Emergency, emergency, emergency,” and give your location and what happened.
• Everyone else clears the channel until the emergency is handled.
• Have a backup: a phone, air horn or runner if radios fail.

Last updated: October 2, 2026