Not all lifting operations carry the same level of risk. High-risk lifts — those involving extreme weights, confined spaces, complex geometry, or critical installation tolerances — demand a level of planning and preparation that goes well beyond standard operations. This article explains how Reef Rigging approaches high-risk lifts and what sets a truly professional rigging team apart when the stakes are highest.
What Makes a Lift High-Risk?
A high-risk lift is any lifting operation where the potential consequences of failure are severe. South African regulations and international rigging standards define specific categories of critical and high-risk lifts, including lifts where the load exceeds 75% of the crane’s rated capacity, tandem lifts using two cranes, lifts near live electrical infrastructure, lifts over occupied areas, lifts in high-wind conditions, and lifts involving equipment that is irreplaceable or extremely high in value.
Step 1: Detailed Site Inspection and Risk Assessment
Every high-risk operation at Reef Rigging begins with a detailed site inspection before any equipment is mobilised. The rigging team walks the route, studies access points, maps overhead hazards, checks ground conditions, and identifies any environmental factors — including wind exposure, proximity to live services, and the presence of other site activities that could affect the lift. The outcome is a formal risk assessment that identifies all hazards and specifies the control measures required before and during the operation.
Step 2: Engineering Calculations and Lift Plan
High-risk lifts require formal engineering calculations to verify that the proposed rigging configuration can handle the load under all anticipated conditions. This includes load calculations, sling tension and angle calculations, crane capacity verification at the required boom radius, ground bearing capacity checks, and structural assessments for any temporary lifting frames or gantries used. The results are incorporated into a formal lift plan — a legal requirement for critical lifts under the South African Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Step 3: Equipment Selection and Pre-Use Inspection
For high-risk lifts, equipment selection is not left to availability — it is specified by the lift plan. The crane must be the correct type and capacity for the specific boom configuration and radius required. All rigging tackle must be rated, certified, and inspected specifically for this lift. Any equipment that cannot be positively identified or that shows any sign of damage is excluded before work begins.
Step 4: Team Briefing and Role Assignment
Before any high-risk lift begins, the entire team — crane operators, riggers, banksman, and any additional personnel on site — is briefed on the lift plan. Each person is assigned a specific role and understands their responsibilities. The sequence of the lift is walked through step by step. Emergency procedures are covered. And every team member is given the opportunity to raise any concerns before the operation begins. A lift does not start until the lift supervisor is satisfied that the entire team is ready and aligned.
Step 5: Controlled Execution and Live Monitoring
During the lift itself, the banksman maintains sole authority to give movement commands. The lift is executed in stages, with pause points built in at which the load is held and assessed before the next movement begins. Load monitoring equipment — including load cells and crane load indicators — is used where required to verify that actual loads match calculated values throughout the operation. If conditions change (wind picks up, equipment behaves unexpectedly, or any team member signals a concern), the lift is paused until the situation is assessed.
With over 200 years of combined team experience and an absolute commitment to zero-harm operations, Reef Rigging has completed high-risk lifts across South Africa’s most demanding industrial environments. Contact the team to discuss a challenging lift requirement, or explore our cranage and lifting services.
Frequently Asked Questions: High-Risk Lifts in South Africa
What is a critical lift in South African rigging?
A critical lift is a lifting operation that requires more planning and controls than a standard lift due to the elevated risk involved. In South Africa, critical lifts are defined by the OHSA Lifting Machine Regulations and include tandem lifts, lifts near live electrical equipment, lifts at the crane’s maximum capacity, and lifts in hazardous environments. A formal lift plan signed off by a competent person is mandatory for all critical lifts.
Who is legally responsible for lift safety on a South African construction or industrial site?
Under the OHSA, the employer or principal contractor is ultimately responsible for ensuring that lifting operations on site comply with the Act and its regulations. In practice, this means appointing a competent lift supervisor, ensuring all equipment is certified, verifying that operators are qualified, and ensuring that a lift plan is in place for all critical operations. The rigging contractor shares responsibility for the safe execution of their own operations.
What happens if a high-risk lift goes wrong?
If an incident occurs during a rigging operation, the site must be secured, any injured persons attended to, and the incident reported to the Department of Employment and Labour as required under the OHSA. The crane or equipment involved must not be moved until the incident has been reported and an inspector has attended if required. A formal incident investigation must be conducted to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. This is why thorough planning and documentation before the lift is so important — it is also the primary evidence base for any investigation that follows.