When it comes to construction sites, rigging hardware plays an undeniable role since lifting and moving heavy loads is a critical operation in this industry. Common causes are:
- Lack of knowledge – It takes tremendous knowledge and experience to handle rigging equipment since it’s important to know about the many factors that go into ensuring safe operations.
- Not knowing loads – Guessing load capacities, the center of gravity and the unique physical properties is inviting trouble on a construction site. Working with super heavy or out-of-balance loads and moving them in mid-air can.
- Human error – More often than not, rigging accidents are the consequence of avoidable human error. Construction site workers often make certain mistakes, which ultimately lead to hazards and catastrophes:
- Not Knowing the Weight of the Load
- Skipping Equipment Inspections
- Being Unaware of Sling Capacities
- Failure to Ensure Sling Protection
- Ignoring Load Control
- Not Safeguarding Against Electrical Contact
- Not Training Workers in Safe Equipment Use
Examples of incidents investigated by OSHA include:
- Report – March 15th, 2008 – Another New York crane collapse killed seven people across a space of two city blocks. Broken synthetic slings found at the scene were believed to be the cause. Some experts reported that, based on the photographic evidence, the slings may have been severely overloaded.
- Report – Jun 17th, 2015 – Synthetic slings were at fault in 87% of the sling-related accidents, and of those, 80% of the failures were from cut slings, 10% of the failures.
- Report – January 2025 – A cut sling was the cause of the dropped load accident in Manhattan, according to a confidential source familiar with the investigation.
- Report – January 11th, 2000 – A 24-year-old male construction worker died after steel beams fell on him when the nylon slings that were carrying them failed.
- Report – Mar 18th, 2008 – Investigators believe the fatal accident occurred as workers were trying to install a massive square steel collar around the crane’s tower.
- Report – March 2020 – The wire rope sling used to lift the rebar column cage broke due to a combination of the load placed on the sling and the shearing action of the rebar cutting the wire rope.
- Report – Jun 24th, 2015 – Ten people injured, including two construction workers, sustained injuries when the load fell. The load fell because the synthetic sling used to lift it in place was cut, most likely because of a sharp edge.
Examples of incidents investigated by OSHA include:
Precautions to Take: Use slings only for their rated load, never to the “Shock” load rating. Additionally, protect sling from sharp corners, never use slings if damaged or corroded, avoid dragging sling under or overloads, avoid dropping slings from heights, avoid rolling loads with slings, maintain slings by proper storage and lubrication, and avoid extreme heat or sun exposure.
Codes:
Precautions to Take: Use slings only for their rated load, never to the “Shock” load rating. Additionally, protect sling from sharp corners, never use slings if damaged or corroded, avoid dragging sling under or overloads, avoid dropping slings from heights, avoid rolling loads with slings, maintain slings by proper storage and lubrication, and avoid extreme heat or sun exposure.
OSHA Standard Subpart H – 1926.251 (a) (1) – Rigging equipment for material handling shall be inspected prior to use on each shift and as necessary during its use to ensure that it is safe rigging equipment and shall be removed from service if not.
OSHA Standard Subpart H –1926.251(a)(2) – Employers must ensure that rigging equipment safe and,
OSHA Standard Subpart H –926.251(a)(2)(i) – Has permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicate the recommended safe working load and,
OSHA Standard Subpart H –1926.251(a)(2)(ii) – Is not loaded in excess of its recommended safe working load as prescribed on the identification markings by the manufacturer and,
OSHA Standard Subpart H –1926.251(a)(2)(iii) – Is used without affixed, legible identification markings, required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.
OSHA Standard Subpart H –1926.251(a)(3) – Rigging equipment, when not in use, shall be removed from the immediate work area so as not to present a hazard to employees.
OSHA Standard Subpart H –1926.251(a)(4) – Special custom design grabs, hooks, clamps, or other lifting accessories, for such units as modular panels, prefabricated structures, and similar materials, shall be marked to indicate the safe working loads and shall be proof-tested prior to use to 125 percent of their rated load.
OSHA Standard Subpart H –1926.251(a)(5) Scope – This section applies to slings used in conjunction with other material handling equipment for the movement of material by hoisting, in employments covered by this part. The types of slings covered are those made from alloy steel chain, wire rope, metal mesh, natural or synthetic fiber rope (conventional three-strand construction), and synthetic web (nylon, polyester, and polypropylene). Use the “right” sling for conditions.
OSHA Standard Subpart H –1926.251(a)(6) Inspections – Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant. Damaged or defective slings shall be removed from service immediately.
What You Need to Know:
Always determine the weight and size of the load to be lifted. This will help make sure you
choose a sling with adequate strength and length for the job.
- SELECTION – Select the appropriate sling for the load and hoisting mechanism. Make sure the sling is rated for the weight of the load and configuration used, and is made of a material suitable for the job.
- INSPECTIONS – Inspect the sling for any damage or wear. Look for frayed edges, cuts, burns, broken wires or stitching, or other damage that could compromise the strength of the sling. Also make sure tags displaying the sling’s lifting capacity are attached and legible. NEVER use a damaged sling.
- POSITIONING – Position the sling around the load. Make sure the sling is evenly distributed around the load, and that it is not twisted or tangled. Protect the sling from sharp edges on the load when necessary.
- ATTACHMENTS – Attach the hooks or loops of the sling to the hoisting mechanism. Make sure the hooks are securely fastened, and the sling is positioned so the load is balanced.
- TESTING LOADS – Test the load before lifting. Gently tug on the sling to make sure it and the load are secure and make a test lift.
- LIFTING LOADS – Slowly lift the load using the hoisting mechanism. Make sure to keep the load level and stable.
- MOVING LOADS – Use the hoisting mechanism to carefully move the load to its destination. Use a tagline, when necessary, to maintain safe clearance from the moving load.
- PLACING & LOWERING LOADS – Lower the load. Slowly lower the load to the ground or support surface, making sure to keep it level and stable. Do not let the load crush the sling on the ground or cribbing.
- DISCONNECTING LOADS – Disconnect the sling from the hoisting mechanism and remove it from the load. Carefully disconnect and remove the sling from around the load. Do not use the hoist to pull the sling from under the load. Return it to its designated storage area when done.
- RESEARCH TO DO IT “RIGHT” – Follow all applicable manufacturer’s safety guidelines when using a sling for lifting. It’s also necessary for inexperienced workers to have a trained operator or supervisor on hand to oversee the lifting process and ensure that it is done safely and efficiently.
