What may happen if crews do not standardize their signals?

Standardizing signals is essential in crane operations as it ensures that everyone on the crew understands the same commands and responses. If crews do not standardize their signals, there is a high risk of miscommunication. Different individuals may interpret signals in varying ways, leading to confusion during critical operations. This miscommunication can result in improper actions being taken, which significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, such as dropping loads or placing them incorrectly. Therefore, the focus on standardization directly correlates to enhanced safety and the overall effectiveness of the lifting operations.