Rigging safety is a critical part of shipyard and construction employment, used to lift heavy materials to heights with cranes and other devices. Riggers also act as signalmen. Improper rigging of a load or a rigging failure can expose riggers and other workers nearby to a variety of potential hazards.
Summary:
Rigging involves the use of cranes and other large pieces of equipment to lift steel and other materials. OSHA heavily regulates this practice. With at least 225,000 cranes operating in the U.S., accidents are bound to happen, but the majority of crane accidents resulting in fatalities and injuries are preventable, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). More than 50% of all mobile crane accidents are the result of mistakes made when the crane was being set up. All of these accidents are preventable by following the manufacturer’s recommendations for assembly and dismantling, by using the correct components, and by observing the necessary precautions.