Embracing safety: Hands off rigging at Newmont's Lihir Island

At Newmont's Lihir Island project, our crane and rigging crews are stepping up their commitment to safety.  

While the concept of hands-off rigging isn't entirely new to our team, the recent reinforcement of this practice within Monadelphous is a timely reminder of its critical importance for improved safety outcomes. 

We all know that placing hands on suspended loads can significantly increase the risk of injuries. Fingers, hands, arms, and even our bodies can be crushed, struck or trapped during the movement of these loads. To mitigate these risks, our team is adopting hands-off rigging techniques more rigorously by adding in the additional Monadelphous predetermined and ad hoc controls. 

Site Manager Heath Gallagher said that safety is our top priority at Lihir Island, and the hands-off rigging initiative is a crucial part of this. 

“The main goal here is clear: to protect our doggers and riggers by keeping them out of the ‘line of fire’,” he said. 

“By removing the need for direct contact with suspended loads, we're significantly reducing the risk of injury for our team members. 

“I'm proud of how our crews have embraced this change and am confident it will lead to a safer and more productive work environment."

Well done to the team for embracing this initiative and for your commitment to delivering safely.