Flintco hosts first signal person certification exam

Flintco, Inc. hosted the first US Signal Person Certification Examination on Saturday 15 November at the company's Oklahoma City office. A signal person, while on the ground, is responsible for directing crane operators to safely move a load from one place to another. The certification is not mandated in Oklahoma but legislation is being discussed.

In light of the increase in crane-related accidents in 2008, Flintco said it is finding value in training its employees who work with crane operators. Ten Flintco employees who serve as signal persons completed a training programme and took the exam.

"There is an obvious need for updated rules and regulations in the construction industry to help decrease the number of crane-related accidents," said Mark Grimes, Flintco, Inc. Oklahoma City division president. "We are certain that the certification of our employees who work with crane operators will make Flintco jobsites a safer place for workers and those close to construction sites."

The two-part examination involves a 45-minute written portion that tests hand signals, voice communication, basic knowledge of crane operations, situational awareness, and safety standards and regulations. The second portion consists of a 20-scenario video-based practical exam where the test taker acts as a signal person giving the appropriate hand and voice commands to the corresponding video.

"I am proud to be a part of a company that had the foresight to implement such training and host an exam. Flintco understands the benefits of providing ongoing training and certification and that it is the right thing to do for the safety of our employees," said Shawn Cosby, an operator trainer with Flintco. "A programme like this naturally falls in line with our outstanding safety record."

The certification exam was administered by the International Assessment Institute, a third-party provider of testing services for the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators.