Are you planning to invest in a major construction project? If so, you want to maximize the use of available resources while minimizing injuries to construction workers.

Statistics show that falls are the leading cause of deaths in a construction project. So, what do you do to safeguard the lives of your employees?

Moving construction materials is among the first steps of your project, besides planning. It is a vital process in every construction project. One can use, cranes, hoists, derricks, and conveyors to handle these materials.

Derricks, cranes, and hoists rely on web slings to hold and stabilize the load during equipment handling. Therefore, quality slings are very useful in handling the equipment part. Having and operating defective web slings is quite dangerous in any construction site.

To maintain safety standards when dealing with web slings, all contractors and construction experts need to know the following.

1. All Slings Aren’t Equal

Identify the proper sling for your project before moving forward. Do not be in a hurry to reuse old slings.

For instance, there are single leg slings, two, three and four leg slings in the market today. Their possibilities to accommodate heavier load is endless. Further, these slings are available in uncoated metal mesh-alloy steel chain slings- as well as synthetic forms-nylon or polyester. Choose the best web sling that fits your construction project.

2. Inspect the Sling for Damage before Use

Never use a damaged sling to lift construction materials. Here’s why; if it were to break, then it would drop the load leading to severe injuries and fatalities. It may also lead to damages on a piece of expensive equipment. Be sure to check the sling for damages before using it.

If possible, take your sling for inspection at least once a year. However, if you’re using the chain sling parts more frequently, then monthly or quarterly inspection would be okay.

Where you note a potential problem, undertake repairs to promote safe-rigging practices.

3. Observe the Load Limits

The weight of the load you want to lift determines the web slings to buy. For example, if you want to lift a load of 12 tons, then go for a lifting sling with a Working Load Limit of (WLL) 15 tons instead of 10 tons.

If you exceed the stated WLL, you’ll be damaging the sling you’re using. It also exposes the load to risks of falling leading to damages.

4. Secure the Load

Before lifting the load, ensure that the web sling is completely attached to the load. This helps prevent any sliding, slipping, and movement of the load loose parts.

When attaching the slings, train your workers in the best cable and rigging products to use.

5. Ensure the Lifting Point is above the Centre of Gravity

Do you want to lift a heavy load? Then, it is important to determine its center of gravity before you begin the process. But why?

Determining the load’s center of gravity is essential in achieving total control of the load you’re lifting. If you don’t restrain the load correctly, the center of gravity moves directly under the lifting point, resulting in damage or injury to your workers.

6. Store the Slings Properly

After using the slings, store them in proper conditions away from extreme temperatures, and UV lighting. Also, keep these products away from other hazards that can cause severe or irreparable damage to the slings.

Exposing your slings to harsh environmental conditions makes them weak leading to damages or breakages. The results will be damage to your load or injuries to your employees. Don’t let this happen.

Conclusion

Web slings are designed to move heavy, large and bulky materials that are impossible to lift manually. Slings offer a direct connection from the load you’re lifting to the lifting equipment, be it an electric hoist, or crane. Whenever you or your workers are using a sling to lift a load, follow the above safety tips to prevent against any injury or damage to the load.