1926.1419(a): When a Signal Person Is Required
A signal person must be provided when the point of operation is not in full view of the operator, when the view in the direction of travel is obstructed while the equipment travels, or when the operator or the person handling the load decides one is needed due to site-specific safety concerns.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1419(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $52,947 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1419(a)(2) (1 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1419(a) is one requirement inside 1926.1419 Signals—general requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(a) A signal person must be provided in each of the following situations: 4 citations
(1) The point of operation, meaning the load travel or the area near or at load placement, is not in full view of the operator. 3 citations
(2) When the equipment is traveling, the view in the direction of travel is obstructed. Open (a)(2) 1 citations
(3) Due to site specific safety concerns, either the operator or the person handling the load determines that it is necessary.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1419.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1419(a).
At 3:00 p.m. on August 5, 2024, Employee #1, operating a mobile rough terrain crane, was driving along a gravel road when the crane slipped off the right sideof the road and rolled down an embankment into a pond. The crane's cab was crushed upon…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1419(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1419(a).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1419(a)(2) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When is a signal person required for a crane?
When the operator cannot fully see the point of operation, when the travel view is obstructed, or when the operator or load handler decides one is needed.
What is the point of operation?
The load travel or the area near or at load placement.
Can the person handling the load ask for a signal person?
Yes. Either the operator or the person handling the load can determine one is necessary for site safety concerns.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1419 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.