While often used interchangeably, heavy lifting refers to the physical hoisting and moving of a load using equipment like cranes, gantries, or jack-and-slide systems, whereas rigging is the precise process and hardware used to secure that load to the lifting equipment. Rigging encompasses the selection, inspection, and configuration of slings, shackles, turnbuckles, and spreader bars required to stabilize the load by accounting for its center of gravity.
You cannot safely perform heavy lifting without proper rigging. Rigging equipment is governed by OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251, while heavy lifting operations fall under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC (Cranes and Derricks). ASME B30 standards require that all rigging equipment be inspected daily (per ASME B30) and prior to use on each shift (per OSHA 1926.251).
A qualified rigger calculates the load dynamics and specifies the hitch types, while the crane operator executes the heavy lift. To ensure your next operation complies with all safety and load-handling regulations, explore our specialized heavy lifting services.