The field of rigging is a dangerous one. In this line of work, it is often necessary to lift and move heavy objects. This can be extremely dangerous if not done properly. Injuries can occur from slips, trips, and falls, as well as from the object itself falling on someone.
So, if you work in rigging, or are considering a career in this field, it is important to always prioritize safety. To help you do this, we’ve put together a guide on the importance of safety when working with heavy rigging.
In this guide, we’ll cover the following topics:
- The dangers of not being safe when working with heavy rigging
- The importance of following safety procedures
- How to stay safe when working with heavy rigging
The dangers of not being safe when working with heavy rigging
First, let’s take a look at the dangers of not being safe when working with heavy rigging.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are four main dangers associated with rigging:
- Falls– Workers can fall from heights while working with rigging. When this happens, serious injuries or even death can occur. Your best defense against falling is to always use fall protection, such as a harness.
- Being struck by an object– Objects can fall and hit workers while they are working with rigging. Some objects that can fall include tools, equipment, and debris. It is important that the area around the rigging is clear to avoid this from happening.
- Electrocution– Workers can be electrocuted if they come into contact with power lines while working with rigging. The reason for this is that rigging equipment is often made of metal, which can conduct electricity.
- Getting caught in or between objects– Workers can be injured if they get caught in the rigging equipment or between two objects that are being lifted. That’s why it’s so important to follow safety procedures and always be aware of your surroundings.
If ever you find yourself in a situation where you are not sure if it is safe to proceed, always err on the side of caution and consult with a supervisor. Having a safety plan in place is also essential. This way, everyone knows what to do in case of an accident.
The importance of following safety procedures
Next, let’s take a look at the importance of following safety procedures.
As we mentioned before, the main reason for following safety procedures is to protect yourself and others from harm. However, there are also other benefits of following safety procedures.
A workplace fall can result in serious injury, lost time, and even death. Falls are unpredictable and can happen even when your employees maintain a “safety-first” mindset. Your facility could potentially house hundreds of spots that present fall hazards for your employees. So it is important to ensure fall protection assessment for safety of employee.
For example, by following safety procedures, you can help to minimize damage to equipment. This is important because damaged equipment can be expensive to repair or replace.
Additionally, following safety procedures can also help to improve productivity. This is because accidents and injuries often lead to downtime, which can impact productivity.
Finally, following safety procedures can also help to create a positive work environment. A safe work environment is a happy work environment, and happy employees are usually more productive. The bottom line is that following safety procedures is good for everyone.
How to stay safe when working with heavy rigging
Now that we’ve looked at the dangers of not being safe and the importance of following safety procedures, let’s take a look at how you can stay safe when working with heavy rigging.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe when working with heavy rigging:
- Inspect the rigging equipment before each use. This includes looking for any damage or wear and tear. If you find any damage, do not use the equipment and consult with a supervisor.
- Make sure that all workers involved in the rigging operation are properly trained. This includes knowing how to safely use the rigging equipment.
- Follow the proper safety procedures for the type of rigging operation that you are conducting.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and be sure to stay clear of any potential hazards.
- If you are unsure of the safety protocols, always follow the more cautious route and speak with a supervisor.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you and your fellow workers stay safe when working with heavy rigging.