LFT/Specific Lifts/TBT-LFT-043

Suspended Loads

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Suspended Loads

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-LFT-043  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: April 2026
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What?

  • A suspended load is any item held off the ground by a crane, hoist, excavator, or other lifting equipment.
  • LOLER 1998 requires all lifting operations to be planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons.
  • Being struck by a falling suspended load is one of the most common fatal accident types in construction.
  • No person should stand or walk beneath a suspended load at any time during a lifting operation.
  • Wind, mechanical failure, sling damage, and incorrect rigging all cause loads to fall unexpectedly.
  • Tag lines must be used to control the load and prevent swinging, spinning, or uncontrolled rotation.
  • The exclusion zone beneath and around a suspended load must be established before the lift begins.
  • A load that appears stable can shift suddenly due to centre of gravity changes or sling slippage.
  • Loads must never be left suspended unattended — the operator must remain at the controls at all times.
  • Multiple fatalities occur every year when workers enter the drop zone of a suspended load.

Why?

Fatal consequencesA falling load of any weight from any height is almost always fatal to anyone standing underneath it.
Unpredictable behaviourSuspended loads can swing, rotate, or shift without warning due to wind, vibration, or rigging failure.
Legal dutyLOLER 1998 makes it a legal requirement to prevent people from being in the area at risk from a suspended load.
DoDon't
  • Establish a clear exclusion zone beneath and around the load before lifting begins.
  • Use barriers, cones, or a banksman to prevent anyone entering the drop zone.
  • Attach tag lines to control load rotation and swing during travel and placement.
  • Check all slings, shackles, and lifting accessories before connecting to the load.
  • Confirm the load weight and verify the crane or hoist capacity before lifting.
  • Maintain visual contact with the load throughout the entire lifting operation.
  • Lower the load to the ground if you need to leave the controls for any reason.
  • Brief all nearby workers on the lift plan and exclusion zone before starting.
  • Use standard hand signals or radio communication between slinger and operator.
  • Report any load instability, sling damage, or equipment concerns immediately.
  • DON'T walk or stand beneath a suspended load at any time for any reason.
  • DON'T leave a load hanging while the operator steps away from the controls.
  • DON'T lift a load without tag lines attached to control movement and rotation.
  • DON'T allow the load to swing freely — control it throughout the entire lift.
  • DON'T carry a load over areas where people are working or walking below.
  • DON'T use damaged, kinked, or corroded slings to lift any load on site.
  • DON'T exceed the rated capacity of the lifting equipment or accessories used.
  • DON'T guide a suspended load by hand — use tag lines from a safe distance.
  • DON'T remove exclusion zone barriers until the load is fully landed and stable.
  • DON'T assume a load is secure just because it looked stable when first lifted.

See also: Lifting Operations Awareness (LOLER) | Exclusion Zones During Lifting
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