About the engagement
A leading Construction engineering organisation partnered with NIST Global to enhance workforce capability in lifting and rigging operations. The objective was to address skill gaps in critical safety procedures and improve on-ground execution.
Skill gaps in critical lifting operations
Before the training, participants faced challenges in independently preparing Sling Plans. This gap resulted in:
- Reduced confidence in handling lifting operations
- Inconsistency in planning safe and compliant lifts
- Dependence on external validation for critical tasks
The need was clear โ build practical competency, not just theoretical understanding.
A Lifting and Rigging Training Programme built for real-world application
NIST Global designed a focused Lifting and Rigging Training Program with a strong emphasis on real-world application. The program was delivered by an experienced NIST Global trainer with deep domain expertise in lifting operations.
Key elements of the training included:
Practical understanding of lifting principles
Building foundational knowledge of forces, load dynamics, and the engineering principles underpinning safe lifting.
Hands-on load calculations
Participants worked through real load calculation scenarios โ building accuracy and confidence with applied exercises.
Correct sling selection techniques
Identifying and selecting the right sling type for varying load types, angles, and site conditions.
Scenario-based exercises
Simulating real job conditions so participants could apply what they learned in practice โ not just in theory.
The approach ensured participants didn't just learn concepts โ but applied them.
From dependency to confident execution
Post-training, a clear behavioural shift was observed. This marked a transition from dependency to confident execution.
Participants:
- Could not independently prepare Sling Plans
- Low confidence in lifting operations
- Dependent on external validation for critical tasks
- Inconsistent planning of safe and compliant lifts
- Began independently preparing Sling Plans
- Demonstrated improved accuracy and decision-making
- Proactively shared their plans for expert validation
- Consistent, confident execution on site
Safer sites. More confident people.
- Improved competency in critical lifting operations
- Increased confidence and ownership among participants
- Stronger application of safety practices on-site
- Reinforced safety culture within daily operations
Practical training creates real change
This case demonstrates how practical, application-driven training can create measurable improvements in both skill and behaviour โ leading to safer, more confident workplaces.
Need to build real lifting safety competency?
NIST Global's hands-on, scenario-driven training builds the skills your workforce needs to operate safely and independently on site.
