Rigger

A dogman or rigger specialises in the lifting/moving of large and heavy pipes and equipment. They must work together to ensure the slings are safely placed on the equipment to be lifted and that the slings are loaded onto the crane's hooking correctly. A dogman or rigger then directs the crane operator by either radio or hand signals to advise him when the load can be lifted and moved. Although not a physically demanding role, they are required to work on uneven ground and are constantly looking overhead watching the crane's hook.

Tasks and tools used

dismantle and store rigging equipment after use
manual handling of slings and lifting equipment
walking around site
align, level and anchor pipes
operate vehicles around site
administrative duties
control movement of pipes through narrow spaces and into trenches
climbing in/out of trenches
attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving
control of dual lifts

Physical environment

outdoor conditions, e.g. sun, wind, rain and variable temperature
daylight
exhaust fumes
medium machinery and equipment noise
uneven and unstable terrain with variant degrees of gradient
dust in dry conditions

Risks – potential musculoskeletal injuries

Dogman-or-rigger-different-injury-risks

Heavy risk

Wrist, forearm and elbow strain: Repetitive tasks such as gripping involving the wrist and forearm increase risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Lumbar muscle non-specific strain: Prolonged forward bending/stooping.
Cervical joints non-specific: Prolonged neck extension or flexion whilst working in awkward positions.
Shoulder joint complex impingement/strain: Forceful and repetitive movements of upper limbs.

Medium risk

Thoracic spine non-specific: Repetitive trunk rotation with variable load.
Knee joint sprain/strain: Prolonged squatting or weight bearing on knee joint.

Light risk

Hip joint inflammation: Hip flexor tightness due to prolonged squatting.
Ankle sprains/strains: Constant inversion/eversion movements to counteract uneven and unstable surfaces.

Critical physical job demands and other task requirements

Critical job demand descriptor	% of time the task is performed	Task
Constant	>66%	floor to waist lifting of slinging equipment and sandbags greater than 20kg waist to eye level lifting of slings onto hooks greater than 20kg adjusting slings around pipe standing during rigging and lift observing for more than 30 mins at a time standing with arms overhead while connecting slings to hook for more than 30 mins at a time repetitive squatting to pick up equipment, adjusting blocks and sandbags greater than 20kg walking around site for more than 30 mins at a time moving hands to control lift walking around site on uneven ground and getting in/out of trucks and vehicles using a single leg stance/rhomberg stance visual and auditory communication for safety around yard and site – physical dangers with depletion in sensory areas
Frequent	34%–66%	carrying slings and equipment around site greater than 20kg kneeling, squatting and crouching while working at ground height to adjust chocks, in trenches and crawling through pipe for more than 30 mins at a time
Occasional	<33%	sitting while travelling around site for more than 30 mins at a time trunk rotation while working in a trench, placing sandbags under pipe

Suitable duties

goals must be clear, realistic and achievable
must have 'buy-in' from the worker
worker helps to set the goals, and must be answerable if goals are not met (this allows barriers to RTW to be identified at an early stage and obstacles overcome)
workers need to understand they have an obligation to participate in rehabilitation and RTW as per Section 232 of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (the Act).

Return to work suggestions

Worker can begin with light duties and include more tasks as their capacity for work changes. We'll work with all parties, including the treating medical provider, employer and worker to ensure everyone is aware of where the worker is with their rehabilitation and stay at, or return to work.

Note: some tasks are dependent on worker's injury and capacity, and some tasks may require the assistance of a co-worker.

Offsite

Return to work can begin at home for those having difficulty with transport, medication or the injury prevents them from returning to work.

If the worker needs to take a break from work, they're rehabilitation can still begin at home. Tasks can include:

video on safety issues can be viewed (lying in bed if injury type requires)
computer-based programs, CDs or DVD on work-related subjects
phone-based work
emails
training
other worksite inductions
checking or auditing paperwork, e.g. helping the WHSO audit lost time injuries (LTIs) for a six-month period.

Host employment

In the event an employer is unable to provide suitable duties, a host placement may be required. If this is the case, the worker may be placed at a different employer in a graduated return to work plan until they're able to 'upgrade' back to his/her pre-injury role with their pre-injury employer.

WorkCover Queensland's Recover at work program places injured workers in short term host employment with employers who have an established track record of successful return to work outcomes with their own workers.

More return to work resources

View physical demands photos for Rigger