GITNUXREPORT 2026

Rigging Industry Statistics

The rigging industry is growing steadily worldwide but also faces significant safety challenges.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Lindner

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

U.S. rigging industry employed 145,000 workers in 2022, up 3.1% YoY.

Statistic 2

Rigging technicians median wage $28.50/hour in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 3

25% of rigging workforce aged 45+ in 2023, facing shortages.

Statistic 4

Global rigging jobs projected to add 50,000 by 2030 due to infra boom.

Statistic 5

U.K. rigging employment 12,500 in 2022, 4% growth forecast.

Statistic 6

Women comprise 4.2% of U.S. rigging workforce in 2023.

Statistic 7

Rigging apprenticeship programs trained 8,200 in U.S. 2022.

Statistic 8

Canada rigging sector 18,000 jobs in 2023, 70% unionized.

Statistic 9

Offshore riggers average salary $85,000/year in Gulf 2023.

Statistic 10

15,000 rigging certifications issued by NCCCO in 2023.

Statistic 11

Australia mining rigging jobs 9,800 in 2022, vacancy rate 7.1%.

Statistic 12

EU rigging workforce 110,000 in 2023, shortage of 12% skilled.

Statistic 13

U.S. rigging turnover rate 18.4% in 2022 high-demand areas.

Statistic 14

India rigging employment grew 11% to 45,000 in 2023.

Statistic 15

Rigging manager roles increased 22% since 2020, 3,500 positions.

Statistic 16

Brazil oil rigging jobs 14,200 in 2023, 8% YoY growth.

Statistic 17

62% of rigging workers have vocational training in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 18

China rigging industry employs 320,000, 5.3% annual growth.

Statistic 19

Rigging union membership 35% in construction U.S. 2022.

Statistic 20

Saudi Arabia rigging jobs 7,500 in 2023 Vision 2030 projects.

Statistic 21

U.S. rigging overtime hours averaged 12% of total in 2023.

Statistic 22

Global rigging training hours per worker 48 annually in 2023.

Statistic 23

Mexico rigging workforce 11,000 in 2022, 6% growth oil sector.

Statistic 24

28% of rigging jobs freelance/contract in EU 2023.

Statistic 25

South Africa mining riggers 5,200 employed 2023.

Statistic 26

Rigging entry-level wage $22/hour U.S. 2023.

Statistic 27

Norway offshore rigging 4,100 jobs high-wage $110k avg.

Statistic 28

Rigging diversity training reached 65% firms in 2023.

Statistic 29

U.S. rigging veteran hires 12% of workforce 2022.

Statistic 30

85% of cranes in U.S. construction used synthetic slings in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 31

Wire ropes with 6x36 construction dominated 52% of rigging applications in 2022.

Statistic 32

1.2 million shackles in active use across U.S. rigging in 2023.

Statistic 33

Hydraulic jacks comprised 28% of heavy lift rigging tools in oil & gas 2022.

Statistic 34

67% of rigging firms adopted RFID tracking for equipment by 2023.

Statistic 35

Spreader beams used in 34% of loads over 50 tons in construction 2022.

Statistic 36

Polyester round slings average lifespan 18 months in harsh environments 2023.

Statistic 37

2.3 million hooks inspected annually in EU rigging operations.

Statistic 38

Equalizer beams deployed in 22% of multi-point lifts 2023 surveys.

Statistic 39

Stainless steel rigging hardware 15% share in marine applications 2022.

Statistic 40

Load cells integrated in 41% of digital rigging setups 2023.

Statistic 41

Beam clamps usage 19% in structural steel rigging U.S. 2022.

Statistic 42

Synthetic web slings rejected rate 8.2% post-inspection 2023.

Statistic 43

75-ton capacity turnbuckles standard in 28% industrial rigs.

Statistic 44

Lifting beams custom-fabricated for 37% of projects over 100 tons 2022.

Statistic 45

Wire rope sockets used in 55% rotation-resistant applications.

Statistic 46

Plate clamps vertical type 62% preference in steel handling.

Statistic 47

Rigging blocks/pulletons averaged 4:1 safety factor in 89% cases 2023.

Statistic 48

Nylon slings 12% market share due to abrasion resistance.

Statistic 49

Master links double in 76% of chain sling assemblies 2022.

Statistic 50

Tensioners hydraulic used in 25% pipeline rigging operations.

Statistic 51

6-strand wire ropes 71% of crane hoists in construction.

Statistic 52

Cargo nets deployed in 18% heavy transport rigging 2023.

Statistic 53

Shackle pins alloy steel 95% compliance in safety audits.

Statistic 54

Skates/conveyors for machinery moves 31% of floor rigging.

Statistic 55

Synthetic rope diameter 1-2 inches 68% offshore mooring.

Statistic 56

The global industrial rigging market size was valued at USD 6.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030, driven by construction sector expansion.

Statistic 57

In North America, the rigging services market reached $2.1 billion in revenue in 2023, accounting for 32% of the global share due to high demand in oil & gas.

Statistic 58

Asia-Pacific rigging equipment market is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 6.1% during 2024-2031, fueled by rapid urbanization in China and India.

Statistic 59

U.S. rigging industry generated $4.5 billion in total economic output in 2022, supporting 25,000 direct jobs.

Statistic 60

Wire rope segment dominated the rigging market with 45% share in 2023, valued at $3.2 billion globally.

Statistic 61

Synthetic slings market within rigging grew by 7.3% YoY in 2023, reaching $1.1 billion due to lightweight advantages.

Statistic 62

Offshore rigging market size hit $1.8 billion in 2023, with deepwater projects contributing 55% of revenues.

Statistic 63

European rigging services market valued at €1.9 billion in 2022, projected to reach €2.7 billion by 2028 at 5.9% CAGR.

Statistic 64

Rigging hardware market (shackles, hooks) was $850 million in 2023, with alloy steel types holding 62% share.

Statistic 65

Middle East rigging market grew 8.2% in 2023 to $750 million, led by UAE and Saudi infrastructure projects.

Statistic 66

U.S. construction rigging segment accounted for 58% of total rigging market revenue in 2022 at $2.6 billion.

Statistic 67

Global rigging rental market size estimated at $1.4 billion in 2023, expected to grow at 4.7% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 68

Chain sling segment in rigging market valued $900 million in 2022, with Grade 80 chains at 40% dominance.

Statistic 69

Latin America rigging market reached $450 million in 2023, with Brazil contributing 45% due to oil rigs.

Statistic 70

Rigging software market for load calculations grew to $250 million in 2023 at 9.1% CAGR.

Statistic 71

Africa rigging market valued $320 million in 2022, projected 7.5% growth led by mining sector.

Statistic 72

Rigging industry M&A activity saw 15 deals in 2023 totaling $1.2 billion in value.

Statistic 73

U.K. rigging market size $650 million in 2023, with 4.2% YoY growth from renewable energy projects.

Statistic 74

Rigging e-commerce sales reached $180 million globally in 2023, up 12% from prior year.

Statistic 75

Canadian rigging market $380 million in 2022, 55% from energy sector.

Statistic 76

Rigging exports from China hit $2.3 billion in 2023, 28% of global supply.

Statistic 77

Australian rigging market $420 million in 2023, driven by mining with 6.8% CAGR forecast.

Statistic 78

Rigging market penetration of IoT devices reached 22% in 2023.

Statistic 79

U.S. rigging import value $1.1 billion in 2022, primarily from Asia.

Statistic 80

Global rigging market fragmentation shows top 5 firms hold 18% share in 2023.

Statistic 81

Rigging service contracts averaged $150,000 per project in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 82

India rigging market $280 million in 2023, 9.4% growth from infrastructure boom.

Statistic 83

Rigging R&D investment globally $450 million in 2022.

Statistic 84

Southeast Asia rigging market $510 million in 2023, led by Indonesia oil & gas.

Statistic 85

U.S. rigging industry profit margin averaged 7.2% in 2023.

Statistic 86

OSHA cited 29 CFR 1926.251 violations 4,567 times in rigging 2023.

Statistic 87

85% of rigging firms compliant with ASME B30.9 sling standards 2023 audits.

Statistic 88

EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC applied to 98% new rigging gear 2022.

Statistic 89

MSHA Part 56 rigging rules enforced 1,200 citations in mining 2023.

Statistic 90

U.K. LOLER 1998 inspections mandatory for 100% lifting ops, 92% compliant.

Statistic 91

NCCCO certification required or preferred in 67% U.S. crane rigging jobs.

Statistic 92

ISO 2408:2017 wire rope standard adopted by 74% global manufacturers 2023.

Statistic 93

OSHA 1926.1400 crane standards led to 2,100 rigging citations 2022.

Statistic 94

Australia WHS rigging code updated 2023, 88% compliance in construction.

Statistic 95

API RP 2D offshore rigging inspected 95% rigs annually.

Statistic 96

Canada OH&S rigging load testing 5-year cycle 82% adherence 2023.

Statistic 97

EN 13414 chain sling standards 91% EU market penetration.

Statistic 98

U.S. DOT rigging for transport FMCSA 393.100 1,450 violations 2022.

Statistic 99

Brazil NR-11 rigging norms cited 890 times in audits 2023.

Statistic 100

Rigging proof load testing 1.25x SWL per BTH-1 standard 96% compliance.

Statistic 101

India Factories Act rigging sections enforced 2,300 inspections 2022.

Statistic 102

Norway NS-EN 12079:2012 offshore containers rigging 100% certified.

Statistic 103

72% reduction in violations post OSHA rigging outreach 2021-2023.

Statistic 104

Mexico NOM-006-STPS rigging safety 87% factory compliance 2023.

Statistic 105

Rigging tag requirements ASME B30.26 94% observed in audits.

Statistic 106

South Africa MHSA rigging regs 1,100 inspections 2022.

Statistic 107

China GB/T 10051 wire rope std mandatory 99% production.

Statistic 108

U.S. rigging recordkeeping OSHA 1904 89% accurate per reviews.

Statistic 109

Between 2018-2022, OSHA recorded 1,245 rigging-related fatalities in construction, averaging 249 per year.

Statistic 110

Rigging accidents caused 14.5% of all construction crane incidents in 2022, totaling 156 events.

Statistic 111

72% of rigging failures in 2023 were due to improper sling selection or inspection, per NSC data.

Statistic 112

U.S. rigging industry saw 892 non-fatal injuries requiring hospitalization in 2022.

Statistic 113

Drop load incidents in rigging accounted for 28% of serious injuries in manufacturing 2021-2023.

Statistic 114

Rigging wire rope breakage caused 19 fatalities in oil & gas sector 2020-2022.

Statistic 115

41% of rigging violations cited by OSHA in 2023 involved lack of load charts.

Statistic 116

Average rigging accident cost employers $145,000 in direct expenses in 2022.

Statistic 117

Sling overloads led to 265 incidents across industries in 2023, per MSHA reports.

Statistic 118

U.K. rigging sector reported 112 lost-time injuries in 2022, rate of 2.1 per 1,000 workers.

Statistic 119

65% of rigging deaths involved falls from height during setup in construction 2019-2023.

Statistic 120

Rigging equipment malfunction rate was 3.2% in audited sites 2022, per ANSI standards.

Statistic 121

2023 saw 47 rigging-related electrocutions in U.S. construction.

Statistic 122

Chain sling failures dropped 15% after 2022 regulations, but still 89 incidents.

Statistic 123

Offshore rigging incidents totaled 34 in Gulf of Mexico 2022, 40% weather-related.

Statistic 124

Rigging inspection non-compliance caused 22% of accidents in manufacturing 2023.

Statistic 125

Australia reported 56 rigging injuries in mining 2022, 11 fatal.

Statistic 126

78% of rigging fatalities involved workers aged 25-44 in 2020-2023.

Statistic 127

Rigging struck-by incidents accounted for 310 cases in 2022 OSHA logs.

Statistic 128

Synthetic sling cuts/tears caused 142 injuries in 2023 across sectors.

Statistic 129

Rigging training deficiencies linked to 55% of incidents per 2023 study.

Statistic 130

Canada rigging fatality rate 1.8 per 100,000 workers in 2022.

Statistic 131

29% reduction in rigging accidents post-2021 PPE mandates.

Statistic 132

Rigging overload events totaled 198 in construction 2023.

Statistic 133

EU rigging sector 2.4 injury rate per 1,000 in 2022.

Statistic 134

67 rigging deaths from structural failures 2018-2022 globally.

Statistic 135

U.S. rigging DART rate averaged 4.2 in 2023 manufacturing.

Statistic 136

Hook failures in rigging caused 76 incidents in 2022.

Statistic 137

Rigging near-miss reports surged 23% to 5,400 in 2023 OSHA.

Statistic 138

India construction rigging accidents: 342 in 2022, 12% fatal.

Statistic 139

81% of rigging injuries male workers, 2020-2023 data.

Statistic 140

Rigging fire/explosion incidents 19 in oil rigs 2022.

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While the industrial rigging market is soaring toward an $11 billion valuation, with cranes swinging into action for massive infrastructure projects from Dubai to Texas, a staggering 72% of equipment failures are tragically attributed to improper selection or inspection—a sobering reminder that the immense power of this industry demands an even greater responsibility for safety.

Key Takeaways

  • The global industrial rigging market size was valued at USD 6.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030, driven by construction sector expansion.
  • In North America, the rigging services market reached $2.1 billion in revenue in 2023, accounting for 32% of the global share due to high demand in oil & gas.
  • Asia-Pacific rigging equipment market is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 6.1% during 2024-2031, fueled by rapid urbanization in China and India.
  • Between 2018-2022, OSHA recorded 1,245 rigging-related fatalities in construction, averaging 249 per year.
  • Rigging accidents caused 14.5% of all construction crane incidents in 2022, totaling 156 events.
  • 72% of rigging failures in 2023 were due to improper sling selection or inspection, per NSC data.
  • U.S. rigging industry employed 145,000 workers in 2022, up 3.1% YoY.
  • Rigging technicians median wage $28.50/hour in U.S. 2023.
  • 25% of rigging workforce aged 45+ in 2023, facing shortages.
  • 85% of cranes in U.S. construction used synthetic slings in 2023 surveys.
  • Wire ropes with 6x36 construction dominated 52% of rigging applications in 2022.
  • 1.2 million shackles in active use across U.S. rigging in 2023.
  • OSHA cited 29 CFR 1926.251 violations 4,567 times in rigging 2023.
  • 85% of rigging firms compliant with ASME B30.9 sling standards 2023 audits.
  • EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC applied to 98% new rigging gear 2022.

The rigging industry is growing steadily worldwide but also faces significant safety challenges.

Employment Trends

  • U.S. rigging industry employed 145,000 workers in 2022, up 3.1% YoY.
  • Rigging technicians median wage $28.50/hour in U.S. 2023.
  • 25% of rigging workforce aged 45+ in 2023, facing shortages.
  • Global rigging jobs projected to add 50,000 by 2030 due to infra boom.
  • U.K. rigging employment 12,500 in 2022, 4% growth forecast.
  • Women comprise 4.2% of U.S. rigging workforce in 2023.
  • Rigging apprenticeship programs trained 8,200 in U.S. 2022.
  • Canada rigging sector 18,000 jobs in 2023, 70% unionized.
  • Offshore riggers average salary $85,000/year in Gulf 2023.
  • 15,000 rigging certifications issued by NCCCO in 2023.
  • Australia mining rigging jobs 9,800 in 2022, vacancy rate 7.1%.
  • EU rigging workforce 110,000 in 2023, shortage of 12% skilled.
  • U.S. rigging turnover rate 18.4% in 2022 high-demand areas.
  • India rigging employment grew 11% to 45,000 in 2023.
  • Rigging manager roles increased 22% since 2020, 3,500 positions.
  • Brazil oil rigging jobs 14,200 in 2023, 8% YoY growth.
  • 62% of rigging workers have vocational training in U.S. 2023.
  • China rigging industry employs 320,000, 5.3% annual growth.
  • Rigging union membership 35% in construction U.S. 2022.
  • Saudi Arabia rigging jobs 7,500 in 2023 Vision 2030 projects.
  • U.S. rigging overtime hours averaged 12% of total in 2023.
  • Global rigging training hours per worker 48 annually in 2023.
  • Mexico rigging workforce 11,000 in 2022, 6% growth oil sector.
  • 28% of rigging jobs freelance/contract in EU 2023.
  • South Africa mining riggers 5,200 employed 2023.
  • Rigging entry-level wage $22/hour U.S. 2023.
  • Norway offshore rigging 4,100 jobs high-wage $110k avg.
  • Rigging diversity training reached 65% firms in 2023.
  • U.S. rigging veteran hires 12% of workforce 2022.

Employment Trends Interpretation

While the rigging industry is hoisting up impressive global growth and strong wages, it's clear we need to lift more women, younger recruits, and skilled workers into the fold to avoid dropping the ball on the looming infrastructure boom.

Equipment Usage

  • 85% of cranes in U.S. construction used synthetic slings in 2023 surveys.
  • Wire ropes with 6x36 construction dominated 52% of rigging applications in 2022.
  • 1.2 million shackles in active use across U.S. rigging in 2023.
  • Hydraulic jacks comprised 28% of heavy lift rigging tools in oil & gas 2022.
  • 67% of rigging firms adopted RFID tracking for equipment by 2023.
  • Spreader beams used in 34% of loads over 50 tons in construction 2022.
  • Polyester round slings average lifespan 18 months in harsh environments 2023.
  • 2.3 million hooks inspected annually in EU rigging operations.
  • Equalizer beams deployed in 22% of multi-point lifts 2023 surveys.
  • Stainless steel rigging hardware 15% share in marine applications 2022.
  • Load cells integrated in 41% of digital rigging setups 2023.
  • Beam clamps usage 19% in structural steel rigging U.S. 2022.
  • Synthetic web slings rejected rate 8.2% post-inspection 2023.
  • 75-ton capacity turnbuckles standard in 28% industrial rigs.
  • Lifting beams custom-fabricated for 37% of projects over 100 tons 2022.
  • Wire rope sockets used in 55% rotation-resistant applications.
  • Plate clamps vertical type 62% preference in steel handling.
  • Rigging blocks/pulletons averaged 4:1 safety factor in 89% cases 2023.
  • Nylon slings 12% market share due to abrasion resistance.
  • Master links double in 76% of chain sling assemblies 2022.
  • Tensioners hydraulic used in 25% pipeline rigging operations.
  • 6-strand wire ropes 71% of crane hoists in construction.
  • Cargo nets deployed in 18% heavy transport rigging 2023.
  • Shackle pins alloy steel 95% compliance in safety audits.
  • Skates/conveyors for machinery moves 31% of floor rigging.
  • Synthetic rope diameter 1-2 inches 68% offshore mooring.

Equipment Usage Interpretation

While American rigging quietly bets big on synthetics and digital eyes, the humble hook endures a grueling European inspection marathon, proving that in an industry hoisted by threads and tracked by chips, the old guard of steel still bears the most weight.

Market Analysis

  • The global industrial rigging market size was valued at USD 6.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030, driven by construction sector expansion.
  • In North America, the rigging services market reached $2.1 billion in revenue in 2023, accounting for 32% of the global share due to high demand in oil & gas.
  • Asia-Pacific rigging equipment market is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 6.1% during 2024-2031, fueled by rapid urbanization in China and India.
  • U.S. rigging industry generated $4.5 billion in total economic output in 2022, supporting 25,000 direct jobs.
  • Wire rope segment dominated the rigging market with 45% share in 2023, valued at $3.2 billion globally.
  • Synthetic slings market within rigging grew by 7.3% YoY in 2023, reaching $1.1 billion due to lightweight advantages.
  • Offshore rigging market size hit $1.8 billion in 2023, with deepwater projects contributing 55% of revenues.
  • European rigging services market valued at €1.9 billion in 2022, projected to reach €2.7 billion by 2028 at 5.9% CAGR.
  • Rigging hardware market (shackles, hooks) was $850 million in 2023, with alloy steel types holding 62% share.
  • Middle East rigging market grew 8.2% in 2023 to $750 million, led by UAE and Saudi infrastructure projects.
  • U.S. construction rigging segment accounted for 58% of total rigging market revenue in 2022 at $2.6 billion.
  • Global rigging rental market size estimated at $1.4 billion in 2023, expected to grow at 4.7% CAGR to 2030.
  • Chain sling segment in rigging market valued $900 million in 2022, with Grade 80 chains at 40% dominance.
  • Latin America rigging market reached $450 million in 2023, with Brazil contributing 45% due to oil rigs.
  • Rigging software market for load calculations grew to $250 million in 2023 at 9.1% CAGR.
  • Africa rigging market valued $320 million in 2022, projected 7.5% growth led by mining sector.
  • Rigging industry M&A activity saw 15 deals in 2023 totaling $1.2 billion in value.
  • U.K. rigging market size $650 million in 2023, with 4.2% YoY growth from renewable energy projects.
  • Rigging e-commerce sales reached $180 million globally in 2023, up 12% from prior year.
  • Canadian rigging market $380 million in 2022, 55% from energy sector.
  • Rigging exports from China hit $2.3 billion in 2023, 28% of global supply.
  • Australian rigging market $420 million in 2023, driven by mining with 6.8% CAGR forecast.
  • Rigging market penetration of IoT devices reached 22% in 2023.
  • U.S. rigging import value $1.1 billion in 2022, primarily from Asia.
  • Global rigging market fragmentation shows top 5 firms hold 18% share in 2023.
  • Rigging service contracts averaged $150,000 per project in U.S. 2023.
  • India rigging market $280 million in 2023, 9.4% growth from infrastructure boom.
  • Rigging R&D investment globally $450 million in 2022.
  • Southeast Asia rigging market $510 million in 2023, led by Indonesia oil & gas.
  • U.S. rigging industry profit margin averaged 7.2% in 2023.

Market Analysis Interpretation

For all the talk of our delicate digital world, it seems humanity's enduring need to lift, move, and anchor profoundly heavy things is not just secure but thriving, with a global industry quietly booming at over 6 billion dollars a year thanks to construction, oil, and sheer industrial grit.

Regulatory Compliance

  • OSHA cited 29 CFR 1926.251 violations 4,567 times in rigging 2023.
  • 85% of rigging firms compliant with ASME B30.9 sling standards 2023 audits.
  • EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC applied to 98% new rigging gear 2022.
  • MSHA Part 56 rigging rules enforced 1,200 citations in mining 2023.
  • U.K. LOLER 1998 inspections mandatory for 100% lifting ops, 92% compliant.
  • NCCCO certification required or preferred in 67% U.S. crane rigging jobs.
  • ISO 2408:2017 wire rope standard adopted by 74% global manufacturers 2023.
  • OSHA 1926.1400 crane standards led to 2,100 rigging citations 2022.
  • Australia WHS rigging code updated 2023, 88% compliance in construction.
  • API RP 2D offshore rigging inspected 95% rigs annually.
  • Canada OH&S rigging load testing 5-year cycle 82% adherence 2023.
  • EN 13414 chain sling standards 91% EU market penetration.
  • U.S. DOT rigging for transport FMCSA 393.100 1,450 violations 2022.
  • Brazil NR-11 rigging norms cited 890 times in audits 2023.
  • Rigging proof load testing 1.25x SWL per BTH-1 standard 96% compliance.
  • India Factories Act rigging sections enforced 2,300 inspections 2022.
  • Norway NS-EN 12079:2012 offshore containers rigging 100% certified.
  • 72% reduction in violations post OSHA rigging outreach 2021-2023.
  • Mexico NOM-006-STPS rigging safety 87% factory compliance 2023.
  • Rigging tag requirements ASME B30.26 94% observed in audits.
  • South Africa MHSA rigging regs 1,100 inspections 2022.
  • China GB/T 10051 wire rope std mandatory 99% production.
  • U.S. rigging recordkeeping OSHA 1904 89% accurate per reviews.

Regulatory Compliance Interpretation

The statistics reveal a world obsessed with rigging safety on paper, yet persistently snagged by the human and mechanical complexities of actually lifting things without dropping them.

Safety Records

  • Between 2018-2022, OSHA recorded 1,245 rigging-related fatalities in construction, averaging 249 per year.
  • Rigging accidents caused 14.5% of all construction crane incidents in 2022, totaling 156 events.
  • 72% of rigging failures in 2023 were due to improper sling selection or inspection, per NSC data.
  • U.S. rigging industry saw 892 non-fatal injuries requiring hospitalization in 2022.
  • Drop load incidents in rigging accounted for 28% of serious injuries in manufacturing 2021-2023.
  • Rigging wire rope breakage caused 19 fatalities in oil & gas sector 2020-2022.
  • 41% of rigging violations cited by OSHA in 2023 involved lack of load charts.
  • Average rigging accident cost employers $145,000 in direct expenses in 2022.
  • Sling overloads led to 265 incidents across industries in 2023, per MSHA reports.
  • U.K. rigging sector reported 112 lost-time injuries in 2022, rate of 2.1 per 1,000 workers.
  • 65% of rigging deaths involved falls from height during setup in construction 2019-2023.
  • Rigging equipment malfunction rate was 3.2% in audited sites 2022, per ANSI standards.
  • 2023 saw 47 rigging-related electrocutions in U.S. construction.
  • Chain sling failures dropped 15% after 2022 regulations, but still 89 incidents.
  • Offshore rigging incidents totaled 34 in Gulf of Mexico 2022, 40% weather-related.
  • Rigging inspection non-compliance caused 22% of accidents in manufacturing 2023.
  • Australia reported 56 rigging injuries in mining 2022, 11 fatal.
  • 78% of rigging fatalities involved workers aged 25-44 in 2020-2023.
  • Rigging struck-by incidents accounted for 310 cases in 2022 OSHA logs.
  • Synthetic sling cuts/tears caused 142 injuries in 2023 across sectors.
  • Rigging training deficiencies linked to 55% of incidents per 2023 study.
  • Canada rigging fatality rate 1.8 per 100,000 workers in 2022.
  • 29% reduction in rigging accidents post-2021 PPE mandates.
  • Rigging overload events totaled 198 in construction 2023.
  • EU rigging sector 2.4 injury rate per 1,000 in 2022.
  • 67 rigging deaths from structural failures 2018-2022 globally.
  • U.S. rigging DART rate averaged 4.2 in 2023 manufacturing.
  • Hook failures in rigging caused 76 incidents in 2022.
  • Rigging near-miss reports surged 23% to 5,400 in 2023 OSHA.
  • India construction rigging accidents: 342 in 2022, 12% fatal.
  • 81% of rigging injuries male workers, 2020-2023 data.
  • Rigging fire/explosion incidents 19 in oil rigs 2022.

Safety Records Interpretation

While the numbers reveal a grim, costly, and stubbornly human story of avoidable error—from ignoring load charts to skipping inspections—the consistent culprit is not the gear, but a culture that too often gambles with gravity.

Sources & References