What are a Rigger, Slinger, and Banksman? Roles, Responsibilities & Training

Introduction: The Backbone of Safe Lifting Operations

In the world of rigging, lifting, and crane operations, the difference between a safe lift and a catastrophic incident often comes down to the people on the ground. Three of the most critical roles in any lifting operation are the Rigger, the Slinger, and the Banksman. These roles are distinct, complementary, and — in most jurisdictions — require formal training and certification.

Whether you're managing a construction site, an industrial facility, or a heavy manufacturing environment, understanding what each of these professionals does is essential to maintaining compliance, protecting your crew, and ensuring lifts are executed safely and efficiently.

What is a Rigger?

A rigger is a trained professional responsible for attaching, securing, and guiding loads during lifting operations. Riggers work with a wide variety of lifting equipment — including wire rope slings, chain slings, synthetic webbing slings, shackles, hooks, eyebolts, and spreader beams — to prepare loads for movement by crane, hoist, or other lifting device.

Key Responsibilities of a Rigger:

• Selecting appropriate rigging hardware for the load weight, shape, and centre of gravity
• Inspecting all rigging equipment before use to identify wear, damage, or defects
• Calculating and confirming safe working load limits (SWL) for the rigging configuration
• Attaching slings, shackles, and hardware to the load in accordance with manufacturer specifications and applicable standards
• Communicating with the crane operator and banksman during the lift
• Ensuring the load is stable and balanced before signalling the lift to proceed

In Canada, riggers typically work to standards set by the CSA (Canadian Standards Association), including CSA B167 for overhead cranes and related rigging practices. Competent riggers are not just physically capable — they are trained in load dynamics, rigging geometry, and equipment inspection protocols.

What is a Slinger?

A slinger (sometimes used interchangeably with rigger in certain regions) refers specifically to the person who attaches the sling or lifting gear to the load. In many operations, the slinger and the rigger are the same individual. However, in larger or more complex lifts, these roles may be assigned separately.

Key Responsibilities of a Slinger:

• Identifying the correct sling type (wire rope, chain, synthetic) for the application
• Properly attaching and positioning slings around the load to avoid sharp edges, imbalance, or slippage
• Applying corner protection and edge guards where required
• Confirming that sling angles are within safe parameters — a critical factor in determining the actual load on each sling leg
• Giving hand signals or radio communication to the crane operator to initiate, hold, or set down the load

Sling angle is one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts in rigging. As the angle between sling legs decreases, the tension in each leg increases dramatically — sometimes doubling or tripling the effective load. A trained slinger understands this and applies it in practice, every single lift.

What is a Banksman?

A banksman (also known as a signaller or dogman in some regions) is the person responsible for directing the movement of a crane or lifting device and ensuring the safe movement of loads in and around the work area. The banksman acts as the eyes and ears of the crane operator when the operator's sightlines are limited or obstructed.

Key Responsibilities of a Banksman:

• Directing the crane operator using standard hand signals or two-way radio communication
• Maintaining clear communication between ground crew and the operator's cab
• Managing exclusion zones and keeping unauthorized personnel clear of the lift area
• Monitoring the load path for obstructions, overhead hazards, or ground conditions
• Coordinating with the slinger or rigger before, during, and after each lift
• Ensuring that only one person gives signals to the crane operator at any time

The banksman role is especially critical on congested job sites, in low-visibility conditions, or during complex multi-crane lifts. A competent banksman can prevent collisions, dropped loads, and personnel injuries that arise when communication breaks down.

How Do These Roles Work Together?

In a well-organized lifting operation, the rigger, slinger, and banksman function as a tightly coordinated team. The rigger assesses and prepares the lift plan. The slinger attaches the load using the correct hardware and configuration. The banksman directs the crane operator throughout the lift, from pick to placement, keeping the entire team safe and in sync.

When any one of these roles is performed by an untrained or uncertified person, the risk profile of the entire operation escalates. Dropped loads, struck-by incidents, and equipment failure are among the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in industrial environments — and the majority are preventable with proper training.

Why Formal Certification Matters

In most Canadian provinces, workplace safety regulations require that personnel performing rigging and signalling duties hold current, recognized certifications. These requirements exist under provincial occupational health and safety (OHS) acts, and enforcement has increased significantly in recent years.

Beyond compliance, certified riggers, slingers, and banksmen bring measurable value to your operation:

• Reduced incident rates — trained personnel identify hazards before lifts begin
• Lower equipment damage costs — proper rigging extends the life of slings, shackles, and hardware
• Faster job completion — efficient, confident crews move loads safely without delays from improvisation
• Insurance and liability protection — documented training protects your organization in the event of an incident

Get Certified with Hercules Lifting

Hercules SLR offers industry-leading rigger training programs designed for Canadian workplaces. Our Rigger, Slinger & Banksman training course covers load assessment, sling selection, rigging configurations, inspection protocols, and hands-on application — everything your team needs to perform lifts safely and in compliance with CSA and provincial standards.

All Lifting & Rigging Training Courses

Rigger training is just the beginning. Hercules offers a comprehensive suite of safety and compliance training programs for lifting and rigging professionals at every level — from entry-level slingers to experienced crane crews and safety supervisors.

Conclusion

The roles of rigger, slinger, and banksman are foundational to every safe lifting operation. Understanding the distinctions between them — and ensuring each role is filled by a trained, certified professional — is one of the most impactful steps any organization can take toward a safer, more compliant worksite.

If your team is due for certification or you're building a lifting crew from the ground up, Hercules is here to help. Our training programs are practical, compliance-focused, and delivered by industry professionals with real-world rigging experience.