Why Rigging Inspections Matter | Advantage Rigging AZ

Posted by Advantage Rigging on 23rd Jun 2025

Why Rigging Inspections Matter | Advantage Rigging AZ

If you work in rigging, you already know: your equipment takes a beating. It’s lifting, hauling, stretching, and securing heavy loads all day long. But here’s something you might not think about often…

That same gear you trust with your crew’s safety? It’s only as strong as its last inspection.

At Advantage Rigging, we’ve seen it all—frayed slings, bent hooks, worn-out chains, and tags so faded you can’t read them. We also know the damage that even one overlooked issue can cause.

That’s why we’re starting this week with a simple message:
Rigging inspections aren’t just about OSHA compliance. They’re about keeping people safe and jobs running smooth.

What OSHA Says (And Why It’s Not Optional)

OSHA Standard 1926.251 is clear: all rigging equipment must be inspected before each use. On top of that, it needs to be checked periodically by a qualified person—someone who knows what to look for and when to pull unsafe gear out of service.

Let’s say it again for the people in the back:
If your gear is damaged, deformed, or doesn’t meet load capacity—pull it. No gray area. No second chances.

And OSHA isn’t just talking. In 2023, crane and rigging violations remained a serious problem across the U.S. Some of the most common violations were due to worn gear, missing tags, or lack of inspection protocols.

A Real-Life Reminder

In late 2022, a worker at Guam Shipyard was killed after a crane boom failed. OSHA’s investigation found that rigging inspections weren’t performed as required—and the consequences were fatal. The employer was fined over $150,000. But let’s be honest: no fine brings a crew member back.

This is why Advantage Rigging doesn’t just sell gear—we make sure our customers understand how to use and inspect it.

30 Seconds That Could Save a Life (Or Your Job)

Let’s get practical. A full inspection log isn’t required before every use—but a quick check is. Here’s what you and your team should be looking for every day:

Sling Inspections:

  • Cuts, frays, or burn marks in synthetic slings

  • Broken stitching or twisted webbing

  • Missing or unreadable ID tags

Hook & Hardware Checks:

  • Cracks, sharp edges, or obvious wear

  • Bent hooks or damaged latches

  • Rust or corrosion in shackles or couplers

Chain Slings:

  • Stretched or distorted links

  • Pitting, corrosion, or discoloration

  • Kinks or binding between links

If anything looks off—even just a little—it’s not worth the risk. Tag it out, report it, and grab a replacement.

Why It Matters (Beyond Compliance)

At Advantage Rigging, we get calls all the time from customers who say, “Hey, we caught something during our check—glad we did.” That’s the goal. You don’t want to find out your gear’s shot when it’s 12 feet in the air holding a 3,000-lb load.

Inspections aren’t about paperwork. They’re about:

  • Protecting your crew

  • Avoiding downtime

  • Staying on schedule

  • Keeping insurance premiums down

  • Maintaining your reputation

The best riggers don’t just lift smart—they check smart.

Time for a Gear Upgrade?

If you’ve got slings with fuzz, chains with rust, or hooks that have seen one job too many—it might be time for new gear.

And here’s the good news: Advantage Rigging is offering 10% off sitewide right now with our Tariff Discount.

That means savings on:

  • Chain slings

  • Transport gear

  • Rigging hardware

  • Binders, hooks, couplers—you name it

CODE: FBTARIFF10
Shop now at advantagerigging.com
Or call us direct at 480-502-2225

You can also email your order request or gear questions to info@advantagerigging.com

Who We Are (In Case You're New Around Here)

Advantage Rigging isn’t some faceless supplier. We’re based right here in Gilbert, Arizona and we work with crews across the country who trust us to keep them outfitted with the gear they need to work hard—and work safe.

Whether you’re a small team or managing dozens of job sites, our mission is simple:
Give you access to top-quality rigging equipment, fair pricing, and advice you can actually use.

Our warehouse is located at:
1482 W Scott Ave Suite 101, Gilbert, AZ 85233
Feel free to stop by, give us a call at 480-502-2225, or visit advantagerigging.com to see what we’ve got in stock.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a safety officer to care about safety.

A quick gear check might not feel like much—but over time, it becomes a habit that protects your people, your job, and your company.

We’ll leave you with this:

  • Check your gear.

  • Trust your gut.

  • Replace it when needed.

  • And if you're not sure what you need—Advantage Rigging is here to help.

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