Safety During Lifting, Hoisting and Rigging
Safe lifting and rigging operations prevent incidents, protect workers and reduce costly downtime. Most lifting accidents result from poor planning, incorrect rigging or unclear communication. This page outlines essential best practices — and how Cranes for You helps organisations improve lifting safety and compliance.
Why Safe Lifting Matters
Proper lift planning, competent rigging and clear communication ensure safe, predictable and efficient operations. A structured approach reduces human error and ensures all equipment is used within safe working limits.
Rigging Techniques & Sling Selection
Correct rigging is fundamental for load stability.
Key points
- Select the right sling type (chain, wire rope, synthetic).
- Maintain correct sling angles.
- Choose the right hitch: vertical, choker or basket.
- Keep the centre of gravity under the hook.
- Never exceed WLL.
See our Hoisting & Rigging Safety Manual for further guidance.
Lift Planning
Every lift requires a proper lift plan documenting how the lift will be prepared and executed.
Include in a lift plan
- Load weight, COG and rigging
- Crane selection and configuration
- Ground conditions
- Communication method
- Exclusion zones
- Weather limits
- Emergency procedures
More information: Why Every Lift Requires a Lift Plan.
Pre-Lift Inspection
Check equipment and conditions before every lift:
- Condition of slings, shackles and hooks
- Correct ID tags and WLL
- Lifting points and load condition
- Weather and visibility
- Crane condition and configuration
Any doubt means: stop and assess.
Load Stability & Environmental Factors
Stability can be affected by:
- Incorrect rigging
- Sudden movements
- Wind (especially on large surfaces)
- Soft or uneven ground
- Off-centre lifting points
See: Influences of Wind on Crane Operations.
Communication & Taglines
Reliable communication prevents misunderstandings.
Best practices
- One designated signal person
- Standard hand signals or radio
- Stop if communication is unclear
Use taglines for safe load control — never hands on the load.
Download: Safe Use of Taglines.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency readiness includes:
- Stop-work authority
- Clear rescue and communication plan
- First-aid readiness
- Weather stop criteria
Training & Competence
Competent personnel ensure safe operations.
Cranes for You provides training in:
- Rigging & Hoisting
- Lift Planning
- Supervising Lifting Operations
- Bespoke training for complex lifts
Related Knowledge Articles
- Influences of Wind on Crane Operations
- Overview of Lifting & Hoisting Standards
- LOLER 1998 ACoP
- Safe Use of Overhead Travelling Cranes
- Checklist for Safe Transport of Oversized Components
Ready to Improve Safety and Efficiency?
Cranes for You supports organisations with training, lift plan reviews and safety guidance to improve lifting performance.
