Occupational Safety & Health Administration	Process: Rigging
U.S. Department of Labor

Riggers preparing loads or conducting lifting operations in the shipyard or on the vessel may be exposed to fall hazards. When using a tag line to guide a load, riggers must be aware of their surroundings to prevent falls due to uneven walking or working surfaces.

Fall protection devices, such as guardrails on deck edges, deck openings or stair railings are at times removed to allow the movement of a load. This requires alternate fall protection methods.

As most rigging work is done outdoors, slippery or wet surfaces can also be a problem. In addition, riggers typically work over or near the water. Workers must be provided with approved personal floatation devices (PFDs) when working over water (1915.71(j)(3)).