What should you do if you notice that a load is shifting during a lift?

When a load is noticed to be shifting during a lift, stopping the lift immediately and assessing the situation is the safest course of action. This step is crucial because a shifting load can present serious safety hazards to workers in the vicinity and can lead to accidents or injuries if not addressed promptly.

By halting the operation, the rigger can take time to analyze the cause of the shifting, check the rigging setup, and ensure that the load is secure before any further action is taken. This may include re-stabilizing the load or adjusting the rigging method to prevent potential accidents.

Maintaining safety is paramount in rigging operations, and stopping to evaluate the situation allows for necessary adjustments to be made, as opposed to continuing the lift, which could exacerbate the instability. Engaging another rigger may be a step taken once the situation is assessed, but the immediate priority should be stopping the lift to ensure everyone’s safety. Lowering the load slowly could ultimately still lead to unsafe conditions if the load is not secure, making the initial assessment critical before any further actions.