Rigging Safety: 7 Essential Rules for Safe Lifting (2025)

Train Your Crew the Right Way

If your team lifts, moves, or signals loads, they need proper rigging training.
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1. Inspect All Rigging Equipment Before You Use It

Before any lift, check every piece of rigging equipment, including:

• slings (synthetic, wire rope, or chain)

• hooks

• shackles

• master links

• hardware and attachment points

Look for cuts, stretching, kinks, birdcaging, rust, deformation, heat damage, or missing tags.

If gear looks off → tag it out immediately.
Damaged equipment is one of the leading causes of rigging failures.

2. Plan the Lift Before Touching the Load

Rigging should never be improvised.

Before the lift begins:

• confirm the load weight

• find the center of gravity

• choose the correct sling type

• identify hazards (power lines, pinch points, wind, ground conditions)

• review the lift path

• confirm communication (hand signals, radios)

A quick pre-lift plan prevents surprises and keeps everyone aligned.

3. Use Proper Rigging Techniques (Angles Matter!)

Many rigging failures happen due to incorrect rigging setup — especially sling angle issues.

Low angles increase the force on each sling leg.

For example:

This means a 1,000 lb load at 30° can put 2,000 lbs of tension on each sling.

Workers also need to understand:

• how to choose the right hitch type (vertical, basket, choker)

• when to use softeners

• how to protect slings from edges

• how to balance the load properly

Technique matters as much as the equipment.

4. Make Sure Workers Have Proper Training

Rigging is not an “on-the-job guessing” task.
Workers must be trained to:

• identify rigging hazards

• read tags and WLL ratings

• understand sling angles and tension

• choose the right hardware

• calculate safe loads

• communicate effectively with crane operators

Training dramatically reduces accidents and ensures workers know what “safe” actually looks like.

5. Follow OSHA and ASME Rigging Standards

All rigging activities must comply with:

• OSHA 1910.184 – Slings

• OSHA 1926 Subpart H – Material Handling

• ASME B30.9 – Slings

• ASME B30.26 – Rigging Hardware

• ASME B30.5 – Mobile Cranes

These standards outline:

• equipment requirements

• inspection criteria

• removal-from-service rules

• training expectations

Compliance keeps workers safe and helps avoid citations, stop-work orders, and project delays.

6. Use the Right PPE for Rigging Work

Proper PPE helps protect workers from the most common rigging hazards.

Recommended PPE includes:

• hard hats

• safety glasses

• cut-resistant gloves

• steel-toe boots

• high-visibility clothing

• fall protection when required

PPE doesn’t replace rigging training; it supports it.

7. Continuously Monitor the Lift

Rigging is active, not static.

Throughout the lift, someone qualified must watch:

• tension on the slings

• load balance and rotation

• sling placement and shifting

• communication between riggers and operators

• environmental changes (wind, visibility, stability)

If something doesn’t look right → stop the lift immediately.
A safe stop is always better than a risky move.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is rigging?

Rigging is the process of lifting, securing, and moving loads using cranes, hoists, and rigging hardware.

Why is rigging safety important?

Improper rigging can lead to dropped loads, equipment failures, and serious injuries.

What are common rigging hazards?

• equipment failure

• incorrect sling angles

• shock loading

• miscommunication

• unbalanced loads

Who is responsible for rigging safety?

Employers must provide safe equipment and training.
Workers must follow proper procedures.

What PPE is required for rigging?

Typically: hard hats, gloves, eye protection, steel-toe boots, and hi-vis clothing.

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