Rigger Hire: 3 Ways to Support a New Worker

If you have just hired someone who has recently qualified as a crane rigger, there are a few things you should consider before giving them their first job. For example, when riggers first start working, they can be overwhelmed as they try to remember their training. They may also still be getting over their fear of working at height or handling and guiding weights. This feeling is understandable, as crane rigging is a job which is learnt by experience. The riggers confidence will soon grow as they complete their first few jobs. Below is a guide which will help you to support a novice rigger who has just started working for you.

Choose Good Weather

Construction doesn't often stop for the weather, which means that a rigger may be called out at all times of the day and in all types of weather. However, when a rigger is first starting out, you should concentrate on allocating their first few jobs when the weather is at its best. Strong winds, rain or snow, will only make a new rigger's first jobs more stressful and complicated that they need to be, which could lead to them being distracted or having an accident. You should try to plan the first few jobs when the weather conditions are relatively good. Once they have completed the first few jobs, you can give them work in more challenging weather conditions. 

Establish the Load Weight

Old hands in the rigging business can often make an educated guess on the load weight required for a lift, but you should avoid allowing a rigger to do this in the early days of their career as they will not be able to accurately judge the estimated weight of a load until they have gained more experience like the old pros. You should instead make sure that they carefully check the load weight so they can ensure that they are using the correct sling to lift it.

Opt for the Correct Sling

Following on from the previous point, the overall safety of a rigging job will be largely dependent on the type of sling chosen for the load. Round slings are generally preferred for heavier loads whereas webbing slings should only be used for lighter lifts. A rigger should also consider the best type of sling material such as polyester rope, natural fibre rope, or metal hooks or chains.

If you are interested in finding out more about how to hire a crane rigger, you should contact a crane labour hire company today for further advice and information.

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