What should never be done during a lifting operation?
Most people think lifting accidents happen because a crane fails or a sling breaks.
But the reality is very different.
In most cases, incidents occur because someone did something that should never have been done in the first place.
A rushed decision. A skipped inspection. An improvised maneuver.
And while these mistakes may seem small, in a lifting operation they can have massive consequences.
That leads to a critical question for every worker, supervisor, and rigger:
What should never be done during a lifting operation?
Understanding these prohibited practices can make the difference between a safe lift and a serious accident.
Why Is It Important to Know What Not to Do?
A lifting operation involves raising, moving, or positioning suspended loads using mechanical equipment such as cranes, hoists, chain falls, or overhead cranes.
Whenever a load is suspended, any mistake can result in:
- Dropped loads
- Damage to equipment and facilities
- Serious injuries
- Fatalities
- Operational downtime
That is why every professional must know not only what to do—but also what should never be done.
- Never Lift a Load Without Knowing Its Weight
This is one of the most dangerous mistakes in lifting operations.
Many accidents begin when someone estimates the weight “by eye.”
Why is this a problem?
Because the actual weight determines:
- The equipment required
- The sling capacity needed
- The appropriate shackles
- The working angles
- The rigging configuration
If the load weight is unknown, there is a significant risk of overloading equipment and causing failure.
Basic rule: If you don’t know the weight, don’t make the lift.
- Never Use Damaged Rigging Equipment
A worn-out sling does not become stronger because the operator is experienced.
Any defective component must be removed from service immediately.
Never use:
- Cut or damaged slings
- Deformed chains
- Cracked shackles
- Bent or opened hooks
- Corroded equipment
- Components without identification tags
One defective component can compromise the entire lifting operation.
- Never Stand Under a Suspended Load
This is probably the most well-known rule in lifting.
And unfortunately, one of the most frequently ignored.
Why is it prohibited?
Because no suspended load is ever completely risk-free.
There is always the possibility of:
- Mechanical failure
- Human error
- Unexpected movement
- Rigging failure
If a load is suspended, nobody should be underneath it.
Ever.
- Never Exceed Rated Capacity
Every piece of lifting equipment has limits established by the manufacturer.
These limits are not suggestions.
They are safety requirements.
This applies to:
- Cranes
- Overhead cranes
- Hoists
- Slings
- Shackles
- Hooks
Operating beyond rated capacity dramatically increases the risk of equipment failure.
- Never Improvise Lifting Points
One of the most common field mistakes is using structures that were never designed to support lifting loads.
Examples include:
- Pipes
- Handrails
- Light-duty structures
- Uncertified beams
Lifting points must be designed, engineered, and approved for lifting purposes.
Improvisation can lead to structural collapse.
- Never Ignore Sling Angles
Many workers look at a sling’s rated capacity but overlook one critical factor:
Sling angle changes the actual load force applied to the sling.
As the angle between sling legs increases:
- Tension increases
- Effective capacity decreases
- Failure risk rises
This is why sling angles must always be calculated before the lift begins.
- Never Perform a Lift Without Clear Communication
A lift without communication is a dangerous lift.
The operator and rigger must use:
- Standardized hand signals
- Radios when appropriate
- Pre-established communication procedures
When multiple people give instructions simultaneously, mistakes become much more likely.
For this reason, there is typically only one designated signal person directing the operation.
- Never Lift Without a Pre-Lift Inspection
Before any load leaves the ground, inspect:
- Lifting equipment
- Rigging hardware
- Anchorage points
- Environmental conditions
- The load itself
A proper inspection may take only a few minutes.
An accident can change lives forever.
- Never Operate in Unsafe Environmental Conditions
The environment directly affects lifting safety.
Evaluate:
- Wind conditions
- Rain
- Fog
- Lighting
- Ground conditions
Adverse conditions can reduce load control and significantly increase risk.
- Never Rush a Lifting Operation
Pressure to finish quickly is one of the biggest enemies of safety.
Many accidents occur because someone decides to:
- Skip an inspection
- Omit a pre-lift meeting
- Ignore load calculations
- Bypass procedures
In lifting operations, speed should never take priority over safety.
Common Mistakes That Continue to Cause Accidents
Despite advances in technology, the most common lifting incidents still result from:
- Equipment overload
- Improper rigging selection
- Poor planning
- Inadequate communication
- Unqualified personnel
- Overconfidence
Most of these incidents are completely preventable.
Conclusion: Safe Lifting Begins by Avoiding Mistakes
Now you know the answer to the question:
What should never be done during a lifting operation?
Never improvise.
Never overload equipment.
Never skip inspections.
Never stand under a suspended load.
And never assume that “nothing will happen.”
The most experienced professionals are not the ones who take the biggest risks.
They are the ones who follow procedures every single time they perform a lift.
Because in the end, a successful lifting operation is not measured by how much weight was lifted.
It is measured by how many people return home safely at the end of the day.