Rigging Safety Innovations: Protecting Workers and Assets in 2025
When it comes to rigging heavy machinery – often involving the movement of hundreds of thousands of pounds – safety isn’t just a priority, it’s the foundation behind every decision. The sheer weight and complexity inherent in industrial rigging services mean there’s no room for error.
The industrial contracting world is seeing rapid shifts and advances in technologies, and the realm of rigging safety is no exception. As the industry progresses into 2025, new technologies and methods are reshaping safety practices to ensure even the most complex lifts are conducted safely and securely.
IoT Devices: A Game-Changer for Real-Time Monitoring
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industrial rigging services by embedding smart sensors into lifting equipment. These sensors provide real-time data on important safety factors like load stress, equipment health and environmental conditions. For example, operators can monitor the weight distribution during a lift, ensuring no single component is overburdened.
At Lee Industrial Contracting, our 75-ton calibrated load cell ensures precise load measurements, critical for safe and accurate lifts. This load cell undergoes monthly calibrations to guarantee its accuracy, providing operators with confidence that the equipment is performing at its best.
Additionally, our carry deck cranes are equipped with load moment indicators (LMI) that deliver exceptional precision with a tolerance of + or – 1% to 0.3%. These tools allow us to proactively monitor loads in real time and respond to any anomalies before they escalate into hazards.
IoT also enables remote monitoring so teams can immediately respond to issues before they escalate into hazards. This level of visibility eliminates guesswork, increasing both safety and efficiency.
VR and AR in Training and Onsite Precision
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are providing safer, virtual environments in which to train and support rigging professionals. Through VR applications, workers can practice in realistic rigging simulations in a safe virtual environment without risk. Meanwhile, AR programs can display crucial information, like load limits or equipment positioning, directly onto a worker’s view during a lift.
VR and AR guidance helps minimize human error while fine-tuning precision in industrial rigging, especially for elaborate tasks in high-risk environments.
Advanced Equipment and Modeling
Safety innovations in industrial rigging services extend to the tools and techniques used on the ground. At Lee Industrial Contracting, we own and maintain state-of-the-art rigging equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Our fleet includes ORMIG cranes, Tri-Lifters, Taylor Forklifts, Versa-Lift forklifts, gantries, and Goldhofer trailers, all of which are drawn and modeled in AutoCAD to develop precise rigging plans. This meticulous planning allows us to simulate each move in detail, identify potential hazards, and optimize every step of the operation before we set foot on-site.
Regulatory Evolution
In industrial contracting, industry regulations for safety are ever-evolving, and keeping up is paramount. These rules now require elements like certified equipment, detailed lift plans and continuous training for operators.
Companies offering industrial rigging services must stay ahead of these requirements by integrating new technologies and maintaining rigorous standards. For manufacturers and facility operators, partnering with an industrial contractor like Lee Contracting that adheres to these regulations ensures peace of mind and a safer work environment.
A Commitment to Innovation and Safety
Industrial rigging is a delicate balance between solving complex challenges while protecting people and assets. The innovations we’re seeing in 2025 will help up our game to create even safer environments.
In an industry where the stakes are high, investing in safety innovations isn’t just forward-thinking – it’s essential. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and practices, we’re not just lifting machinery, we’re lifting the standards for safe and efficient industrial rigging.
Have a rigging job ahead? Lee Contracting has the turnkey, in-house industrial rigging services that can help you complete the job quickly and safely. Contact us for a quote today.
