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

CASE HISTORY

A worker was tack welding shell plating on a unit while a crane was moving other steel plates close by. While bringing the hook back for another load, the crane operator failed to clear the shell plate that was just erected and which the welder had just tacked. The steel plate broke loose and fatally crushed the welder.

Communication between a rigger and a crane operator is critical to the safety of all shipyard workers. Riggers and crane operators need to understand how their operations may have safety consequences for everyone in the area.