Rigging is the backbone of safe and successful equipment movement, especially when handling heavy loads. At Pro Fab Rigging & Welding, our work as heavy equipment movers requires strict attention to safety. Understanding how OSHA defines rigging helps us and our clients stay compliant and reduce risk on job sites.
🔧 What Is Rigging?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), rigging refers to the process of lifting and moving loads using slings, chains, ropes, and other equipment. OSHA includes rigging within its construction safety standards, specifically 1926 Subpart H – Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal.
In plain terms, rigging is what allows equipment riggers to move heavy items like industrial machinery, HVAC units, or production equipment safely from point A to point B.
OSHA defines a qualified rigger as someone who:
- Possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, OR
- Has extensive knowledge, training, and experience, and
- Can successfully demonstrate the ability to rig loads (OSHA Standard 1926.1401).
📋 OSHA’s Key Rigging Requirements
Here are the essential OSHA rigging requirements every rigging company must follow:
- Proper Sling Use: Employers must ensure slings are used in accordance with manufacturer instructions (1926.251).
- Inspections: All rigging gear must be inspected before each use to check for wear, damage, or deformity.
- Load Ratings: Rigging components (hooks, chains, wire rope, etc.) must be rated for the load’s weight and configuration.
- Qualified Personnel: Only qualified riggers may handle rigging tasks on critical lifts or near power lines.
- Fall Protection: When riggers work at height, proper fall protection must be in place.
Failing to follow these regulations can lead to serious injury, lost equipment, or OSHA citations—some costing tens of thousands of dollars per incident.
🛠️ Why OSHA-Compliant Rigging Matters
As a rigging company serving commercial and industrial clients, we take compliance seriously. Our rigging services are handled by certified professionals who understand OSHA standards and how to apply them in real-world settings, from machine rigging to equipment installation.
Choosing a rigging contractor who follows OSHA requirements ensures:
- Fewer delays and fines
- Safer job sites
- Lower liability for your company
- Higher confidence in your equipment moves
🚧 Real-World Rigging Done Right
At Pro Fab Rigging & Welding, we combine OSHA-aligned practices with over 45 years of experience in heavy equipment rigging. Whether we’re working with a tight factory layout or executing a complex lift in Waco or Austin, our crew is committed to precision, safety, and reliability.
Need a rigging company you can trust? Contact us to schedule a walkthrough or request a custom rigging solution.
📚 References:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard 1926.1401
- OSHA Slings Regulation 1926.251: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.251