• I once saw a load fall down.
• If I am doubting whether I have rigged a load properly or not, I will check it with the operator

It is every operator’s nightmare: a poorly secured load that is lifted above the construction site and is about to fall out of the crane. You can imagine that if this happens, the hair on the operator’s neck will stand right up. The manner in which large and heavy loads are rigged is carefully chosen. As a result, not many accidents occur with such loads. However, less attention is paid to the manner in which small loads are rigged. In special cases a lifting plan is drawn up, which everyone will pay attention to.

More attention should be paid to loads consisting of, for instance:

• scaffolding material;
• boards;
• beams;
• wheelbarrows;
• and pallets etc.

Sometimes when a load is very light, it is difficult for the operator to keep it under control as the lifting block is heavier than the load. Such a load will also be more easily affected by the wind, making it prone to swerve.

It is especially these kinds of loads that are rigged by inexperienced people. It seems like simple lifting work, but it is not! Inexperienced and often uniformed people should therefore not be allowed to carry out such work. A permanent rigger at the construction site, so an employee who has received the proper training and is certified, may rig loads.

It is important that a load that has been rigged cannot simply fall from the crane.  

Loads that have not been rigged properly:

• The load can fall from the crane because the lifting straps have only been secured to the frame (Fig. 1);
• Do not only connect the chain to the yoke, otherwise the contents will be lying loose (Fig. 2);
• Lifting straps have not been pulled through the loop, as a result the scaffolding planks can slide (Fig. 3);
• The load can slide, as the lifting straps have only been attached to the yoke (Fig. 4);
• Employees who have not been properly trained / are not certified are rigging/securing loads;
• The weight of the load does not match the chains or lifting straps that are being used;
• The hooks do not properly fit in the eyes.

Check the (Dutch) videos below!

You can also watch them on YouTube:                                                                            

Mistake scaffolding tubes

Securing scaffolding tubes incorrectly

Mistake scaffolding planks

These methods are also wrong

Not properly rigged, lying loose

The videos can be watched using Firefox, Chrome, Safari, but not Explorer 11

1: Incorrect rigging to the frame. Contents are lying loose.

2: Incorrect rigging. Contents are lying loose.

3: Incorrect rigging of scaffolding planks. These are lying loose.

4: Wrong. The scaffolding tubes are lying loose in the yoke.