locks. Emergency situations can occur when

one employee sees another employee beneath

a load, or when a container is not properly disconnected from a chassis, resulting in accidental lifting of the tractor and chassis with an

employee inside.

Radio Communication

A means of communication is required between

the operator's cab and the base of the gantry of

all rail-mounted cranes. This requirement can

be met by telephone, radio, a sound-signaling

system or other effective methods, but not solely by hand-signaling, 29 CFR 1917.45(g)(10).

Hazards of Container Operations 

Container ships come in and out of ports on a

regular basis. At each port, containers must be

discharged and loaded. This requires close

coordination by terminal and longshore personnel working on the ground, on the ship and

in the crane. Employees on the ground and on

the ship must pay close attention to their surroundings at all times. Employees have been

crushed by containers (either falling or being

set down), run over by vehicles, and crushed

by moving cranes. Cargo operations are particularly hazardous when things do not go as

planned, such as when a twistlock becomes

jammed, when a container is placed in the

wrong position on the ship, or when a vehicle

is accidentally lifted along with the container.

The Need for Communication 

Depending on the particular operation,

employees under the crane and/or aboard ship

may need to communicate with the crane

operator. These employees must be able to

communicate rapidly and accurately with the

crane operator to help direct the operation and

ensure that safety is maintained. During routine operations, employees typically communicate with the crane operator using hand signals recognized at the port. However, during

non-routine tasks or in an emergency, employees may need more interactive communication

with the crane operator. Non-routine tasks

include handling oversized or unusually

shaped cargo, hoisting personnel, and handling damaged containers or jammed twistFactSheet

Radio Communication Can Assist

Container Gantry Crane Operators 

in Marine Terminals

Container gantry crane operators load and discharge hundreds of containers in a 

systematic fashion. The crane operators rely on their line of vision and on signals or

directions from employees on the ship and on the ground below to guide them in

their lifts. Risk of injuries can be reduced by the use of radio communication by the

crane operators and longshore personnel.

Figure 1. Container gantry crane off-loading containers.
The availability and use of radios to communicate with the crane operator is a particularly

effective way to reduce the risk of injuries associated with container operations. In addition:

• The radio should be tested prior to use to

ensure that the transmission is clear and

reliable.

• Each crane should use a separate channel, if

frequencies are available.

• The operator’s radio should be equipped with

a hands-free system.

• Radios should not be used for personal communication or discussions not related to the

operation at hand.

• Make sure that the crane operator and other

ground personnel communicating with the

crane operator have been trained on how to

properly use the radio equipment.

Radio communication across the terminal also

plays an important part in responding to accidents and in safely moving equipment and perThis is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

sonnel across the terminal. OSHA believes that

by using radio communication between personnel working on the ground, on the ship and in

the crane, the number of accidents in this hazardous work environment can be reduced. 

U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov

(800) 321-OSHA

For more complete information:

DSG 06/2007

Figure 2. Container gantry operator working a vessel.