Top 10 Hercules Safety and Rigging Blogs of 2020

Our top 10 Hercules blog roundup for 2020 brings together workplace safety topics, lifting and rigging resources, and stories about the people behind industrial innovation. From caring for wire rope to understanding fall hazards, these articles reflect the range of subjects we explored during a challenging year.

In 2020, the Hercules team adapted to changing working conditions while supporting customers in essential Canadian industries. Sharing accessible educational resources remained part of that work. This retrospective revisits ten featured topics from that year, with links to the articles available today.

This is a historical roundup, not a current safety procedure. Linked articles may have been updated since 2020. For today's work, follow the relevant equipment instructions, site procedures, and advice from qualified personnel.

Workplace Safety and Team Stories

1. The Hercules Team During COVID-19

The original team story looked at how employees adapted to different routines during 2020. Some shifted to working from home, while others changed on-site practices. It also shared everyday moments that helped colleagues stay connected during an uncertain period.

Looking back, this topic captures the human side of the year alongside its operational challenges. The original post is not linked here because a current matching article could not be located.

2. Safety Tips for Working in Cold Weather

Outdoor work in Canada can involve cold temperatures, wind, wet conditions, and slippery surfaces. This article explores the importance of recognizing cold-weather hazards and planning work around the conditions rather than treating discomfort as something workers simply have to endure.

3. International Women's Day: Innovative Industry Inventions

Our International Women's Day feature highlighted women whose inventions influenced industries such as transportation, construction, marine operations, and health and safety. It offered a different perspective on the ideas and people that shape the tools and systems used at work.

4. Working on Scaffolds

The scaffold safety topic focused attention on the risks associated with temporary elevated work platforms. Planning, equipment condition, access, and worker preparation all deserve consideration before work begins. For readers revisiting this topic, the current scaffold article provides a place to continue learning.

5. Safety Tips for Working on a Roof

Roof work introduces hazards that vary with the building, surface, access arrangements, weather, and task. This feature encouraged readers to recognize those conditions and think ahead about protective measures. Awareness is a starting point, not a replacement for a task-specific plan and training.

Fall Protection, Equipment Care, and Rigging History

6. National Space Day: Rigging in Space

For National Space Day, we explored connections between lifting, rigging, fall protection, and space exploration. The topic offered a reminder that controlling movement and supporting equipment matter in settings far beyond the construction site or workshop.

7. The Cost of a Fall: How It Can Affect Your Business

A workplace fall affects more than a project schedule. The consequences can extend to the worker, their family, colleagues, and the wider business. This article examined why prevention and preparedness deserve attention before an incident, rather than only after something goes wrong.

8. Five Top Tips for Caring for Wire Rope

Wire rope care remained a practical topic for readers involved in lifting and material handling. Handling, installation, inspection, lubrication, and storage can all affect equipment condition. The article introduces care considerations while equipment-specific decisions still depend on manufacturer instructions and competent assessment.

9. Rigging Through History: Skyscraper Appreciation Day

This feature stepped back from everyday equipment care to consider the structures that lifting and construction teams help create. Skyscrapers provide a striking example of how architectural ideas depend on planning, materials, equipment, and coordinated work to become reality.

10. Ask the Experts: Synthetic Web Slings

Synthetic web slings are a familiar part of many lifting operations, particularly where flexibility and contact with finished surfaces matter. This article introduces the topic for readers reviewing sling choices. Suitability still depends on the load, hitch, contact surfaces, environment, and the sling manufacturer's ratings and instructions.

Keep Learning About Lifting and Rigging

These ten topics show the breadth of the Hercules blog in 2020: practical equipment care, workplace hazards, industrial history, and team stories. A retrospective is a useful way to rediscover resources, but it should also encourage readers to check how guidance applies to their current task.

For practical instruction, explore Hercules training options. If you have questions about lifting equipment, inspections, or support for a particular application, contact Hercules to discuss your requirements.