Safe Use of Material Hoists
A safety talk focused on material hoist hazards, including falling loads, load limits, securement, communication, pinch points, overhead work, and keeping workers clear of hoist areas.
Scan to open or share
Point your phone at this code to open this talk, or screenshot it and text it to coworkers.
Use this talk in the field
Print this talk, create a sign-in sheet, or make a QR sticker crews can scan from equipment, work areas, safety boards, or job trailers.
Key Hazards
- Materials falling from the hoist platform or basket
- Overloading beyond rated capacity
- Loads shifting during lifting or lowering
- Pinch points during loading, unloading, or gate operation
- Workers struck by hoist movement or falling objects
- Poor communication between ground and upper levels
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Material hoists help move tools, supplies, and construction materials, but they create serious hazards when loads are unsecured, overloaded, or lifted over people.
Workers should inspect the hoist before use according to site procedures. Platforms, gates, controls, cables, brakes, limit switches, guards, and warning devices should be checked by authorized personnel.
The hoist capacity should be known and followed. Workers should include the weight of materials, carts, containers, and rigging when considering the load.
Materials should be distributed evenly and secured so they cannot roll, slide, tip, or fall during movement.
Workers should keep hands, feet, and body parts clear of gates, platforms, rails, rollers, and moving parts during loading and unloading.
No one should stand under suspended or moving loads. The hoist landing and lower area should be controlled to protect workers from falling objects.
Communication should be clear before the hoist moves. Ground crews, upper-level workers, operators, and signal persons should understand the lift plan and stop signal.
Safe material hoist use depends on inspection, load control, rated capacity, clear communication, and keeping workers out of drop zones and pinch points.
Safety Reminders
- Know and follow the hoist capacity.
- Inspect hoist components according to procedure.
- Secure materials before lifting.
- Distribute weight evenly.
- Keep workers clear of the drop zone.
- Keep hands and feet clear during loading and unloading.
- Use clear signals and communication before movement.
Ask the Crew
- Is the hoist rated for today’s load?
- Are materials secured against shifting or falling?
- Is weight evenly distributed?
- Are workers clear of the hoist path and drop zone?
- Who is communicating movement and stop signals?