Rigging is one of the most important parts of maintaining safety and efficiency during lifting and hoisting operations. Riggers know how to handle heavy loads, secure equipment, and maintain stability throughout the entire process. Working with professionals can remove a lot of the guesswork, so it’s important to know what to look for.
ARS Contracting is here to help with this list of 10 things to look for when hiring certified riggers. Keeping an eye out for these specific qualifications can help your next project go smoothly.
1. Understand the Importance of Certification
Checking for proper certifications is one of the first things you should do when hiring riggers for your construction project. Not only does establishing credentials prove that riggers have the necessary training to perform all necessary duties, but it can also protect you from potential legal issues and fines.
2. Evaluate Hands-On Experience
The proper credentials can only carry a rigger so far, so it’s a good idea to learn more their hands-on experience. Are they a newer company, or do they have verifiable jobs and clients? Riggers with years of field experience understand the complexities of the job and know how to adapt to unforeseen challenges that may arise, like issues with stability or addressing environmental conditions.
Trained, experienced riggers can handle complex equipment setups to create established rigging plans. Ask about the equipment or projects the riggers have worked with before to see if they have experience moving or securing the type of equipment you need for your specific project.
3. Verify Knowledge of Equipment and Rigging Techniques
Any rigger that you plan to hire should have comprehensive knowledge of all modern rigging equipment and techniques. Rigging frequently involves working with cranes, hoists, slings, and other equipment, and you want to find someone who understands how to pick the right tools for the job and use them appropriately.
Many modern rigging jobs use materials like wire ropes, chain slings, or synthetic webbing to streamline the process. Ask the rigger about modern innovations to see if the team you want to hire for the job can safely and effectively carry out these jobs with the latest tools.
4. Assess Communication Skills
Effective communication can make or break the success of a construction site. Since certified riggers often work alongside other professionals like crane operators or projects supervisors, you want team players who understand that everybody is here to perform their part in the lifting or relocation project.
Clear, precise communication is crucial, especially during complex lifting operations where even a slight miscommunication can lead to accidents. During your interview, try to observe the rigger’s ability to explain the concepts of their job and if they can convey the necessary information to other people who will be on the jobsite when the big day comes.
5. Review Their Attention to Detail
Rigging operations are inherently high-stakes, so attention to detail is more important than ever for the rigger. This skill enables riggers to meticulously inspect equipment, cross-check load weights against equipment capacity, and evaluate environmental factors before lifting.
By paying close attention to the smaller details, riggers can minimize the risk of oversights. The more closely they keep an eye on things, the more likely your project can operate at a smooth and effective pace.
6. Confirm Their Knowledge of Safety Standards
A certified rigger must have a thorough understanding of workplace safety standards and regulations. Do they comply with all the latest OSHA guidelines, and are they willing to follow site-specific safety protocols?
Your certified rigger’s ability to identify hazards, work within load-handling limits, and adhere to proper documentation allows your project to remain legally compliant while reducing the chance of accidents. During the hiring process, discuss specific safety practices the rigger follows and how they approach risk management.
7. Ask About Their Problem-Solving Abilities
Beyond technical skills, problem-solving abilities are instrumental in a rigger’s success. Rigging operations often face unexpected challenges, such as equipment issues or sudden environmental changes.
Skilled riggers can draw on their knowledge, experience, and quick thinking to resolve issues as they arise without having to compromise safety or timelines. Ask candidates to share examples of challenges they’ve experienced in past projects and how they managed to address them effectively.
8. Investigate Training Beyond Certification
Another thing to look for when hiring certified riggers is what sort of training they may have beyond the standard certifications. Do they have additional skills like load dynamics or complex multi-crane lift training?
A rigger who also has experience with signal work can be a helpful asset on any jobsite. Asking about supplementary training or certifications can help you identify candidates with the dedication to refining their craft, which ultimately contributes to project success.
9. Gauge Physical Fitness and Endurance
Riggers work in physically demanding environments, requiring excellent physical fitness and endurance. Hiring someone whose physical condition aligns with the job’s demands reduces the risk of workplace injuries and ensures they can perform their duties without compromising operational efficiency. If your job has specific physical expectations, it may be a good idea to discuss them with your potential rigger and see if they feel comfortable and confident in meeting those demands.
10. Look for a Strong Professional Attitude
One of the last things to look for when hiring a professional rigger is their stance and professional attitude. Coming into a job with a good attitude can have a major impact on the success of the project. Consider beneficial traits like punctuality and adaptability to see how well the rigger can integrate with your existing team and contribute positively to the project.
Candidates with a proactive approach to workplace challenges often handle the pressures of construction sites far better than those without. Assess their attitude through references and behavioral questions to ensure the rigger aligns with the values of your team.
For reliable, professional rigging services in Chicago, trust ARS Contracting to deliver exceptional results. We have a highly certified team of professional, experienced riggers who prioritize the safety and success of your projects, no matter the size. Contact us today to learn more about our available services and how we can help your rigging needs go off without unnecessary hassle.
