Lifting and Rigging Toolbox Talk

Lifting and Rigging Safety Talk

Any time you work in an environment that contains physical hazards, you should be educated on proper safety protocols for the job. Work that involves mechanical lifting and rigging is considered high hazard work.

Incidents that can happen with lifting and rigging

While there are many things that can go wrong when lifting and rigging, some types of incidents occur more often than others. Common lifting and rigging injuries include:

• Enduring a sprain

• Getting crushed by a load

• Being electrocuted

• Falling

• Being struck by a falling load

Lifting and rigging injuries vary from minor to serious. For example, if a chain, sling, or wire rope were to break while crane lifting, the resulting damage could lead to serious injury and even death.

Ways to practice safe work habits

Observing the following safety protocols can help workers protect themselves and others from injury during tasks that involve lifting or rigging.

Training

It’s extremely important to receive proper training for your assigned tasks and work environment. Lack of knowledge and misinformation can lead to injuries and accidents.

Whether you will operate machinery or simply work within the area where a crane or heavy machinery is being used, you must to be trained on best safety practices.

Be observant

Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings when working on a construction site, especially when operating heavy machinery. It’s easy to make mistakes when distracted.

Written plans

The safest way to operate machinery is with a clear plan of action. Tasks should be properly planned out and documented.

Make sure you and other workers understand what you are doing, when you should do it, and how it must be done before starting any lifting and rigging work.

Stand clear

When rigging is in process, it is important that everyone who is not involved with the task knows to stand clear. A heavy load can do a lot of damage. Don't crowd the jobsite, and be sure to take measures to keep other workers outside of the danger zone.

Proper storage

When you work on a construction site or in a warehouse setting, it is important to keep the work area clear and clean. This leaves fewer opportunities for injuries and accidents.

All rigging should be placed in designated storage areas when not in use. In addition to keeping the work area clean, this will also help protect the rig from damage.

Inspections

Before lifting and rigging equipment is used, it should be thoroughly inspected. Make sure that there aren’t any components that are damaged, missing, or not in the right place.

Even during use, machinery should be inspected periodically to ensure that it is being used in the safest way possible. A piece of equipment that has problems poses a bigger risk of injury to both the operator or people standing by.

Be prepared

Make sure that you plan out your travel route prior to operating the rig to make sure you can clear any obstacles safely. When you plan a route, you can assess ground stability and make note of any potential issues.

Planning a route in advance lessens the risk of unexpected problems occurring.

Hazards of lifting and rigging

There are hazards that can't be avoided when using a crane or other machinery to lift or transport a load. Every employee should be aware of what those hazards are and how to best mitigate them.

Common lifting and rigging hazards include:

• Swinging loads

• Holding taglines

• Pinch points

• Elevated surfaces

• Moving equipment

• Slippery surfaces

• Trip hazards

Lifting and rigging safety tips

Make sure that you're fully focused on your task when performing rigging work. Prioritize your safety and the safety of others around you.

Here are some other guidelines that you should follow to make sure you're working as safely as possible:

• Always keep your load balanced

• Always inspect your loads thoroughly

• Make sure the people you are working with are qualified

• Never use machinery that is damaged or needs repair

• Make sure no people are in the work area of your task

• Always have a spotter assist you

• Never leave loads suspended

• Know the weight limits of the rig

• Know the boom length of the rig

• Know the radius of the rig

• Be knowledgeable about the number of legs

• Be aware of the maximum angle capability

• Use durable and strong slings

• Always store the rig and supplies properly
  

Many problems can be avoided with thorough inspections and overall alertness.