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Key health and safety tips for riggers

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These health and safety tips provide general information on ways to manage the most common hazards and risks in your industry. By following this guidance you will be going a long way to effectively managing health and safety in your workplace. However, every workplace is different and you must not take this information as being all that you need to do.


General
Manual tasks
Communication and signals
Working at heights
Electricity
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and first aid
Hazardous materials
Lifting loads
Public safety
Work method statements
Amenities
Sun protection/heat stress
Occupational stress/violence
Tips for workers

General
Activities/instructions More information
  • Make the work and workplace safe by:
    • finding what is unsafe or unhealthy in the workplace and taking action to fix it
    • deciding what is the highest risk and needs to be fixed first, and how to go about fixing it
    • taking action to have the unsafe or unhealthy workplace problem fixed
    • monitoring to ensure the problems are fixed and won't happen again
    • providing health and safety induction
    • providing specific training to do work safely
    • providing appropriate safety gear if required
    • ensuring the rigging job has been planned properly
    • ensuring workers are properly trained and hold the correct licence to perform rigging work (a rigging licence encompasses the requirement for a dogging licence).
  • Remember, everyone is responsible for workplace health and safety.
Manual tasks
Activities/instructions More information
  • For work involving hard physical effort:
    • organise work to reduce the physical force needed to lift, carry, move, hold or restrain items by positioning items as close as possible to where work is done
    • provide, use and maintain adequate mechanical and assistive devices (such as air hoists) to minimise effort
    • use hand tools which minimise the level of muscular effort
    • train workers in safe use of equipment/devices
    • keep access clear and free of obstructions and contaminants.
  • For work involving awkward working positions:
    • reposition tools, equipment and layout to allow the worker to work in the straightest forward facing position keeping arms close to the body
    • vary position frequently
    • minimise bending and over reaching by adjusting working platforms for different working heights and storing frequently used items between hip and shoulder height.
  • For work that is highly repetitive or involves tasks of long duration:
    • provide regular breaks
    • allow workers to work at a steady pace
    • vary work duties to allow changes of posture and physical demands
    • change work practices or purchase equipment to avoid repetitive actions or prolonged tasks.
  • Inspect sites where there are constant changes to the work environment.
  • Ensure adequate lighting especially at crossing points or where surfaces change (e.g. curbs, building entrances and roads).
  • Ensure all workers have received clear instructions and have been trained to perform the task safely.
Communication and signals
Activities/instructions More information
  • Ensure riggers:
    • have the right means of communication when out of line of site from the crane operator and other crew members
    • have a two-way system (e.g. conventional radio or trunked radio) that provides clear and immediate signals without interference
    • stop work immediately if there is loss of the two-way radio system
    • give crane or hoist operators clear signals when directing crane movements
    • know the standard directions for crane operators:
      • Hook movement 'Hook up' and Hook down'
      • Boom movement 'Boom up' and 'Boom down' or 'Boom extend' and 'Boom retract'
      • Slewing 'Slew left' and 'Slew right'
      • OK to raise 'All clear'
      • Do not move 'Stop'.
Working at heights
Activities/instructions More information
  • Ensure rigging work is performed safely at heights and/or on uncompleted structures by:
    • installing handrails on stairways and ramps
    • maintaining good lighting throughout work areas
    • providing steps/ladders so that workers don't have to jump down from working at a height
    • keeping work areas free of obstacles
    • using equipment designed specifically for the job
    • securing and maintaining railings, fences and barriers around entrance holes
    • employing licensed riggers to perform rigging work.
  • Supply only well designed safety belts and harnesses and ensure safety checks are completed on equipment before and after use to maintain integrity.
Electricity
Activities/instructions More information
  • Use licensed electricians for electrical work.
  • Keep electrical equipment away from water.
  • Protect all electrical equipment by a residual current device.
  • Secure and protect extension leads from damage and ensure they are uncoiled when in use.
  • Ensure all equipment is maintained in good working order and all specified electrical equipment is tested and tagged where required.
  • Identify the location of overhead powerlines with ground markers.
  • Train workers how to apply exclusion zones when working near powerlines.
  • Check equipment and leads for damage before using.
  • Make sure all socket outlets are protected by a safety switch.
  • Use portable safety switches if the equipment is not protected by a fixed safety switch.
  • Isolate and lock out machinery when performing maintenance activities.
  • Install emergency stop buttons on equipment that needs to be stopped quickly in an emergency.
  • Do not use double adaptors or piggyback plugs.
  • Have an inspection and maintenance plan in place.
  • Have a system for reporting and tagging out faulty electrical equipment.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and first aid
Activities/instructions More information
  • Select appropriate PPE for the work to be performed including:
    • safety helmets wherever there is a risk of objects falling from above and on any worksite where the hard hat sign is displayed (helmets should comply with AS1801- 1981 Industrial safety helmets)
    • close fitting pigskin gloves to protect hands from heat and abrasion, molten metal and sharp edges
    • high visibility safety vests or work shirts that comply with safety standards
    • eye protection if the worker is likely to be exposed to flying particles (dust, molten metal), chemical damage (toxic liquids, gasses and vapour dusts) or radiation damage (sunlight, infra red, laser)
    • respiratory protection (complying with AS1716 Respiratory protective devices) if the worker is likely to be exposed to toxic gases and vapours and irritating dusts, such as silica
    • hearing protection if exposed to dangerous noise levels (must comply with AS1270 Acoustics hearing protectors)
    • footwear which is comfortable, gives maximum grip and provides protection from pinching, jamming and crushing (AS2210 Safety footwear).
  • Ensure workers have easy access to:
    • first aid kits appropriate for the types of injuries and illnesses likely to occur at the workplace
    • trained first aid personnel.
  • Ensure workers are familiar with the location of first aid facilities and local emergency procedures.
Hazardous materials
Activities/instructions More information
  • Eliminate or substitute the substance for a less harmful product.
  • Provide adequate ventilation.
  • Conduct written risk assessments to identify hazardous substances and control the risks.
  • Obtain and make available Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the risk assessments for substances classified as hazardous.
  • Keep a register on site containing relevant information about the material.
  • Store hazardous substances safely and securely when not in use.
  • Train workers in the safe use of hazardous substances (e.g. alkaline, flammable or acidic chemicals) and the required personal protective equipment.
  • Label all hazardous substances including safety and risk phrases.
  • Do not store hazardous substances in food and/or drink containers (e.g. do not store thinners in drink bottles).
  • Store flammable and combustible liquids away from ignition sources.
  • Locate eye washes and showers in immediate vicinity of chemical storage area.
Lifting loads
Activities/instructions More information
  • When lifting loads, make sure workers:
    • check limit switches before rigging the load
    • do not let the load exceed rated capacity
    • know the centre of gravity of the load
    • attach oads above the centre of gravity for stability
    • select hitch that will control the load
    • know the rated capacities of rigging and slinging
    • inspect all rigging before use
    • protect the sling from sharp corners
    • allow for increased tension due to sling angle
    • equalise loading on multiple leg slings
    • allow for load reductions when using choker hitches
    • attach tag line prior to lift
    • keep personnel clear of lift area
    • wear hard hats when making overhead lifts
    • lift load a few inches and verify rigging
    • check for any loose items
    • know limitations of hoisting device
    • start and stop SLOWLY! Watch for obstructions (not only hook and load but outboard end of the bridge)
    • check pathway is clear before making a lift (use a spotter for blind spots)
    • verify hook completely closes
    • use appropriate hand signals
    • maintain load control at all times
    • never leave load unattended.

Public safety
Activities/instructions More information
  • Ensure:
    • a safety plan is completed prior to work commencing to ensure worker and public safety on or near the site
    • adequate safety signs and site fencing are erected and visible
    • safety barricades are maintained and adequate for the environment and area
    • perimeter containment screening or exclusion zones are enforced
    • a traffic management plan is implemented.
Work method statements
Activities/instructions More information
  • Ensure principal contractors prepare work method statements for high risk activities that include:
    • trenches over 1.5 metres deep where a person needs to enter
    • confined spaces
    • using explosives
    • working at heights greater than 2 metres
    • operating mobile plant
    • activities which could result in death or bodily harm.

Amenities
Activities/instructions More information
  • Provide workers with:
    • sheltered meal areas
    • access to toilets (1 toilet for every 15 workers or part thereof)
    • hand and face washing facilities, separate from toilets.
    • access to potable, clean and cool drinking water
    • first aid equipment that is easily accessible, hygienic and appropriate for the size and complexity of the project.
Sun protection/heat stress
Activities/instructions More information
  • Encourage workers to protect themselves from the sun and its effects by:
    • seeking shade where possible or erecting shelters/canopies
    • wearing clothing with a 30+ ultraviolet protection factor
    • wearing long sleeves, long trousers and a hat
    • fitting wide brims and neck covers to safety helmets
    • wearing polarised sun glasses or safety glasses with 30+ sun protection
    • applying 30+ sunscreen regularly as suggested by the manufacturer
    • making sure everyone knows the risk of heat stress and how to avoid it (e.g. take regular breaks and drink plenty of fluids)
    • ensuring workers maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness
    • providing first aid and medical help for workers affected by heat stress.
Occupational stress/violence
Activities/instructions More information
  • Promote clear policies and procedures that address bullying, harassment and work pressure, and enforce an effective issue reporting and resolution plan.
  • Ensure all workers understand what bullying and harassment are and the procedure for reporting incidents(e.g. explain policies and procedures during induction).
  • Provide post-incident care, including counselling and support.
  • Provide training and develop safe work procedures for all staff at risk, including contractors and office staff, as well as front-line staff.
  • Monitor work demands and control fatigue.
  • Provide support systems for talking about tough situations at work.
  • Ensure role expectations and work structures are clear, particularly through times of change.
  • Ensure workers have the appropriate skills to meet the demands of their job.
  • Ensure work procedures are applied consistently and in an unbiased manner.
  • Provide positive reinforcement, recognition and rewards.
Tips for workers
Activities/instructions More information
  • Wear the appropriate PPE.
  • Make sure you have the correct licence to perform rigging work.
  • Follow safe work procedures implemented by your employer.
  • Make sure you are trained to do the job safely.



Last updated 12 March 2013