In the rigging and lifting industry, safety isn’t just a checklist item — it’s a shared mindset. While toolbox talks and safety briefings are essential, the most successful companies go beyond scheduled meetings. They build a culture where safety is second nature, embedded in every lift, inspection, and conversation on the job site.
At CERTEX, we believe that true safety leadership starts with everyday actions, visible reminders, and ongoing education. Here are some key ways any company can strengthen its culture of rigging safety.
- Keep Training Active — Not One and Done
Safety training shouldn’t end after orientation. Ongoing learning helps riggers and supervisors stay sharp and adapt to new equipment, regulations, and challenges.
From hands-on instruction to LMS modules, refresher sessions, and quick toolbox videos, consistent education reinforces both competence and confidence.
At CERTEX, we offer a variety of training opportunities — from driving safety and hazard identification to “Gear to Wear” modules that ensure employees know when and where to use each piece of protective gear, and much more. Each program is designed to keep knowledge fresh and make safety feel like part of the job, not an extra task.
- Make Safety Visible Every Day
Reminders matter. Visual cues like signage, color-coded zones, and posted load limits keep safety front and center, especially in high-traffic shop or yard environments.
CERTEX branches use signage and visual reminders throughout our shops to reinforce daily habits — everything from PPE checkpoints to lifting angle charts.
When safety messages are part of the workspace design, they become part of the culture, too.
- Turn Meetings Into Meaningful Conversations
Safety discussions shouldn’t feel like repetition. Use team meetings to review real incidents (industry-wide or internal), celebrate safety milestones, or highlight employees who prevented an incident through good judgment.
CERTEX branch teams regularly discuss safety performance in their daily and weekly meetings, ensuring it stays top of mind and connected to real outcomes.
- Track and Learn from Every Incident
Every near miss or safety incident is a chance to learn. Tracking them isn’t about blame — it’s about identifying trends and preventing repeat issues.
CERTEX keeps detailed records of incidents across our branches to measure areas for improvement and strengthen preventive training. Over time, that data builds a roadmap for smarter, safer operations.
- Lead by Example — Locally and Authentically
Safety culture starts at the top, but it’s sustained at the local level. Each branch or job site has its own rhythm, challenges, and personalities — and that’s why local leadership plays a critical role in shaping daily safety habits.
When leaders take true ownership of safety messaging — speaking from experience, setting expectations clearly, and reinforcing them through daily actions — their teams notice. The message feels real and relevant, not just something passed down from “corporate.”
Local leaders must also “inspect what they expect” — staying actively engaged in walk-throughs, conversations, and observations that reinforce safe behaviors. And just as importantly, they should recognize and celebrate positive actions that strengthen the culture. Accountability isn’t just about correction; it’s about positive reinforcement and celebrating wins, both individually and as a team.
Genuine, consistent leadership at the local level turns safety from a rule into a shared value — something everyone feels proud to uphold.
Building a Safety Legacy
Creating a culture of safety takes consistency, communication, and commitment. Every reminder, every meeting, and every lesson learned contributes to a safer workplace and stronger teams.
At CERTEX, we’re proud to help build that culture — one lift, one lesson, and one conversation at a time.
Interested in strengthening your team’s safety culture?
CERTEX offers a wide range of safety training programs covering everything from rigging best practices and equipment inspection to fall protection and hazard awareness. Our goal is to equip your team with the knowledge and confidence to work safely — every time, everywhere. Click here to find out more.
