When it comes to rigging and lifting operations, safety isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity. Beyond the immediate physical risk to workers, lapses in safety can result in equipment damage, project delays, and substantial financial losses. But don’t just take our word for it—let’s look at the data that underscores why a commitment to safety is non-negotiable.
The Cost of Complacency
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were over 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in 2023. In industries like construction and manufacturing—where rigging and lifting operations are commonplace—injuries related to overexertion, contact with objects and equipment, and falls from heights remain among the most frequent.
Even more concerning, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that violations related to fall protection and equipment safety regularly rank among the top 10 most-cited offenses year after year.
In the lifting and rigging industry, one poorly secured load or a single equipment failure can cause serious injury or worse. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates the average cost of a workplace injury to be around $43,000, and for a fatality, that number skyrockets to over $1.46 million.
PPE: The First Line of Defense
While rigging techniques and equipment integrity are critical, PPE is often the last barrier between a near miss and a life-altering injury. Hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, and high-visibility clothing are just the basics—yet they can dramatically reduce the severity of injuries.
OSHA mandates PPE usage in many lifting and rigging scenarios, especially when there’s a risk of falling objects, electrical hazards, or high-traffic zones.
Investing in PPE that is job-specific—not just generic—is crucial. For example, workers operating below a suspended load should wear Class E hard hats rated for electrical hazards and high-impact protection. Similarly, riggers managing wire rope slings benefit from cut-resistant gloves that maintain dexterity.
Equipment Failure: When Maintenance is Overlooked
Catastrophic failure doesn’t always start with a dramatic event—it often begins with routine neglect. Inadequate rigging practices and inconsistent equipment maintenance are among the most common contributors to lifting-related incidents. A study by the Konecranes Training Institute, which examined 249 industrial overhead crane incidents over a ten-year period, found that 27% of load drops were directly tied to poor rigging practices. This underscores how essential it is to ensure operators are trained in proper lifting techniques and equipment usage.
Further highlighting the impact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 60% of crane-related fatalities stemmed from rigging failures. These are not just statistics—they represent lives lost due to oversights that are often preventable.
Routine inspections, strict adherence to load testing protocols, and using the right rigging hardware for the job can significantly reduce the likelihood of equipment failure. Organizations that implement consistent safety checks and provide ongoing rigging education often see a measurable decrease in incidents, contributing to a safer and more efficient work environment.
The ROI of Prevention
Investing in safety training, inspection protocols, and quality equipment isn’t just ethical—it’s economical. For every $1 spent on workplace safety, companies save as much as $6 in direct and indirect costs, including reduced injury claims, lower insurance premiums, and improved worker productivity.
Moreover, organizations with a strong safety culture see higher employee morale and retention, which are often overlooked benefits that influence long-term profitability.
Safety Isn’t Optional—It’s a Strategy
Safety in rigging and lifting is more than regulatory compliance—it’s a business strategy that protects people and strengthens performance. Whether you’re managing a construction site, a manufacturing floor, or a warehouse, implementing rigorous safety protocols backed by data is one of the most valuable moves you can make.
Safety starts with the right equipment. Explore our full line of PPE and fall protection products and training courses—trusted by industry professionals for their durability, compliance, and performance in the field.
