Rigging Safety Awareness

• Loads falling, swinging, rotating, or shifting
• Rigging failure from overload or damage
• Workers standing in the drop zone or load path
• Poor communication between operator, rigger, and signal person
• Pinch points during lifting, landing, or load adjustment
• Uncontrolled lifts caused by unknown weight or poor rigging setup

Rigging safety affects everyone near a lift, not just the person attaching the sling. When a load is lifted, workers can be exposed to falling materials, shifting loads, pinch points, equipment movement, and suspended load hazards.

The load weight and center of gravity should be understood before rigging begins. Guessing can lead to overloaded rigging, unstable loads, or unexpected movement once the load comes off the ground.

Rigging equipment should be selected for the load, hitch type, sling angle, and work environment. Slings, chains, shackles, hooks, lifting eyes, and attachment points must be rated and compatible with the lift.

All rigging should be inspected before use. Damaged, missing, unreadable, or questionable equipment should be removed from service instead of used because the lift seems routine.

Workers should stay out of the drop zone and load path. No one should stand under suspended loads or place themselves where the load could swing, shift, or fall.

Communication must be clear before the lift begins. The operator, rigger, signal person, spotter, and nearby workers should understand the lift plan and stop signal.

Hands and body parts should be kept clear of pinch points when tension is applied, when the load is landed, or when rigging is removed. Loads can settle or shift suddenly.

Rigging safety is about planning and control. Know the load, inspect the equipment, keep people clear, communicate clearly, and stop if the load does not behave as expected.

• Know the load weight and center of gravity.
• Use rigging rated for the load and hitch type.
• Inspect all rigging before use.
• Keep workers out of the drop zone and load path.
• Use clear signals and communication.
• Keep hands clear of pinch points.
• Stop the lift if the load shifts, swings, or feels uncontrolled.

• Do we know the weight and balance point of the load?
• Is the rigging rated, inspected, and appropriate for the lift?
• Who is giving signals to the operator?
• Are workers clear of the drop zone and load path?
• What is the plan if the load shifts or moves unexpectedly?