【Construction Trainees】Protect Your Life! 10 “Safety Signals” You Must Never Miss Vol.3

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For those who want to learn the basics of construction sites all at once, check out this
[Construction Site Complete Guide]!

Let’s learn the “Signals” to protect your life!

Hi! It’s Sensei.

The construction site is very noisy. In the middle of loud sounds, missing a senior’s instruction or signal can lead to a big accident.

Today, I will teach you 10 “words you should act on immediately when heard” and “correct responses.” The trick is to learn them not just as words, but with your whole body!

01. Pointing and Calling (Yubisashi Kosho / 指差呼称)
Pointing and Calling

Signal phrase: “…Yoshi! (よし!)”

Point at the object and say “Yoshi!” loudly. It’s the best signal to show you’ve confirmed it with your own eyes.

02. All right (Orai / オーライ)
All right

Signal phrase: “Orai, Orai (オーライ、オーライ)”

Used when guiding trucks or moving cranes. It means “It’s okay, keep coming as you are.”

03. Stop! (Sutoppu / ストップ)
Stop

Signal phrase: “Stop! (ストップ!)” “Tomare! (止まれ!)”

If you hear this voice after “Orai,” don’t move even 1mm. It’s a sign that danger is near.

04. Lifting slightly off ground (Jigiri / 地切り)
Jigiri

Signal phrase: “Jigiri Yoshi! (地切りよし!)”

When lifting cargo with a crane, stopping it just a bit (10cm-30cm) off the ground. It’s an important step to check if the load is stable.

05. Understood (Ryokai desu / 了解です)
Ryokai

Response phrase: “Ryokai desu! (了解です!)” “Hai! (はい!)”

Always respond loudly when given an instruction. If you are silent, your senior will worry if you heard or understood.

06. No Entry (Tachiiri Kinshi / 立入禁止)
No Entry

Sign phrase: “Tachiiri Kinshi (立入禁止)”

Never enter places with traffic cones or tiger tape. Objects might fall from above, or there might be holes.

07. Watch out! (Abunai! / あぶない!)
Watch out

Shout: “Abunai! (あぶない!)” “Nigero! (逃げろ!)”

If you hear this voice, move away from the spot immediately without thinking why. A split-second decision can save your life.

08. Watch your step (Ashimoto Chui / 足元注意)
Watch your step

Caution phrase: “Ashimoto Chui (足元注意)”

The floor on-site has many electric wires, bumps, and openings (holes). Don’t look at your smartphone while walking!

09. Watch your head (Zujo Chui / 頭上注意)
Watch your head

Caution phrase: “Zujo Chui (頭上注意)”

Check for low pipes or objects that might fall from above. Don’t forget to tighten your helmet’s chin strap!

10. Thank you for your hard work (Otsukaresama / お疲れ様)
Otsukaresama

The last important phrase: “Otsukaresama deshita! (お疲れ様でした!)”

When work is done, say it with a smile and a loud voice. This is the best way to “wrap up safety.”

Summary: A “Loud Voice” is the basis of all signals!

On-site, using a loud voice without being shy is the best way to protect yourself and your colleagues.

A single response like “Hai!” can greatly improve the atmosphere of the site. On your first day after entering Japan, start by greeting everyone with a loud voice!


Review other series too!

Stay Safe (Go-anzen ni / ご安全に)!