Slinging and Lifting Safety: Essential Practices and Training for Safe Lifting Operations - Blog
Written by Steve Wood, Eurosafe Senior Trainer
When even routine tasks involve lifting loads with mechanical aids such as chain or electric hoists, it’s vital that personnel understand safe slinging and lifting practices. Incorrect use of lifting equipment isn’t just a performance issue — it’s a serious risk that can lead to uncontrolled load release and life-changing injuries.
Why Correct Slinging and Lifting Matters
Chain blocks, hoists and other lifting equipment are legally classed as lifting equipment in the UK — meaning the tolerance for misuse is effectively zero.
When a chain block or lifting tackle is not connected and used correctly, the result isn’t just “reduced performance”. The real risk is sudden, uncontrolled release of the load. Loads can drop without warning, causing devastating consequences for people and property below.
A correctly rigged lift ensures the load is stable, aligned and carried in a way that the equipment was designed for. This helps manage risk and maintain control through every stage of the lift.
Common Failures When Lifting Equipment Is Misused
Incorrect connection or poor slinging technique can lead to:
- Side-loading of hooks
- Twisted or mis-seated load chains
- Overturning of chain blocks or hoists
- Brake or gear failure
These failures happen because the load and hardware are not aligned with the way the equipment is engineered to distribute force.
Legal Duties: Know Your Responsibilities Before You Lift
Under UK law, lifting operations and the equipment used must meet specific standards:
LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998)
- Lifting equipment must be suitable for its intended task
- Equipment must be installed and used correctly
- Lifting operations must be carried out by competent persons
- Use must follow manufacturers’ instructions
PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)
- Employers must ensure that equipment is safe for everyday use
- Regular inspections, maintenance and appropriate training must be provided
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Risks that are foreseeable and preventable must be controlled
- “I didn’t know” is not a legal defence
Competence matters more than confidence. Practical training ensures that experience is backed by understanding, reducing the likelihood of uncontrolled hazards.
What Good Slinging and Lifting Looks Like
A safe lifting operation is predictable and controlled. The rewards of good practice are straightforward — safer work, fewer interruptions and reduced potential for incidents.
Before undertaking a lift, a responsible operator should STOP and CHECK:
- Anchor point is rated and suitable
- Hooks are correctly seated and safety latches are functioning
- Load chain runs freely with no twists or damage
- The load is positioned directly beneath the lifting point
- The operator is trained, authorised and competent
If anything looks wrong — STOP the lift. No load is worth a life.
How the Slinging and Lifting Training Helps
Our Slinging and Lifting training course is aimed at individuals who perform routine lifting tasks using mechanical aids such as chain blocks or hoists. The course provides a solid foundation in both the legal aspects and practical skills needed on site.
Key Course Topics Include:
- Legal aspects of slinging and lifting
- Basic definitions and terminology
- Inspection and maintenance of lifting equipment
- Estimating weight and finding the centre of gravity
- Signals for slinging and lifting
- Practical lifting sessions with various loads
- Correct storage of lifting equipment
Learning Outcomes
On completion, delegates will be able to:
- Understand their responsibilities under relevant legislation
- Identify and select appropriate and safe slinging equipment
- Estimate load weight and centre of gravity
- Inspect equipment before use
- Store slinging and lifting accessories correctly
This one-day, hands-on training helps build competence and confidence, ensuring staff are better prepared to carry out safe and compliant lifting activities.
Embedding Safe Practices in Your Workplace
Safe slinging and lifting isn’t paperwork — it’s a practical discipline that saves lives. By combining training, pre-lift checking routines, and competent supervision, you help create a workplace culture where everyone goes home safe and uninjured.
