Unveiling AWRF's Vision for the Future of Rigging Industry Safety and Standards

The rigging industry has come a long way in prioritizing worker safety, moving from an era where fatalities were expected to a modern approach focused on rigorous standards and continuous improvement in rigging industry safety and standards. As AWRF members Tim Klein, Emily Wagner, Jeff Ferchen, and Terry Driscoll reveal, the association plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry through its technical committees, recommended practices and guidelines, and collaboration with other organizations.

"We're taking all that information and collecting it in the Recommended Practices and Guidelines. Whether it be the proper proof testing of a chain sling or a wire rope sling or a lever hoist, Swager Safety Guide, we have these documents that we've collected all of this information showing the proper way to do it, and we're continually updating those" - Tim Klein, PE, Senior Director – Structures at WireCo

In this episode, you'll gain insights into AWRF's vision for the future of rigging industry safety and standards, including:

• Emerging safety trends and the role of personal competency
• The impact of new technologies like load monitoring tools
• Strategies for training the next generation of lifting professionals
• The importance of industry consolidation and global economics
• Opportunities to get involved and contribute to AWRF's initiatives

This episode of Safety Factor is a must-listen for professionals across the rigging industry spectrum — from veterans to newcomers and from safety managers to CEOs. Whether you're a rigging professional, safety manager, or industry stakeholder, this episode offers a comprehensive look at AWRF's efforts to drive continuous improvement in rigging industry safety and standards.

Guests:

• Terry Driscoll, Regional Sales Manager at Mazzella
• Jeff Ferchen, Director, Business Development at The Caldwell Group, Inc.
• Emily Wagner, Co-Owner at JAGwire Management
• Tim Klein, PE, Senior Director – Structures at WireCo

Background Reading:

• What Technological Advancements Have Made Lifting and Rigging Safer? How Is Technology Changing the Lifting and Rigging Industry?
• We are counting down our list of the top ten lifting technologies that are advancing the lifting industry. The Top Ten Lifting Technologies Advancing the Industry
• What Is a Signalperson Responsible for on a Jobsite? What Are a Signalperson’s Responsibilities, According to ASME B30.2?
• What Must Be Done During the Operation of a Tower Crane? What Are Tower Crane Personnel Responsibilities, per ASME B30.3?
• What Does a Crane Operator Need to Do Before, During, and After a Lift? What Are an Overhead Crane Operator’s Responsibilities, According to ASME B30.2?
• How Important Is Knowing the Center-of-Gravity of a Load? How Do