Can we talk about guys not checking their rigging before a lift?

I saw a crew in Dallas last week about to pick a 15-ton beam with a choker hitch that was already twisted. It's the small stuff that gets people hurt, you know? What's the one thing you always double-check before you give the signal?

3 comments

3 Comments

gibson.mila2mo ago

A twisted choker on a 15-ton beam? That's insane, I can't believe they were about to go ahead with that. The one thing I always look at twice is the hook latch, making sure it's closed and seated right. Seen one fail once and it still freaks me out. Just takes a second to walk the rigging and it saves lives.

the_tara2mo ago

A twisted choker is just asking for trouble. I always walk the whole setup and check every shackle pin is tight and the wire is sitting right in the hook. One time I had to stop a pick because the rigger missed a cracked swivel, it was a real eye-opener. Making that extra loop takes a minute but it's the best minute of your day.

emery3562mo ago

Wait, isn't the hook latch supposed to be open on a choker hitch so it can slide? I always check that the choke is tight and seated in the saddle of the hook. A twisted choker is a huge red flag, it cuts the capacity way down. That beam could have slipped right out.