What should be done if a load appears unstable while being lifted?

If a load appears unstable while being lifted, the correct action is to lower the load immediately. This is crucial for ensuring safety, as an unstable load poses a significant risk of falling or shifting unexpectedly, which could lead to accidents or injury. By lowering the load, the rigger and operator can reassess the rigging setup and address any issues causing the instability without further endangering personnel or equipment.

In any lifting operation, safety must always take precedence. Maintaining control over the load is essential, and if something seems off, taking immediate action is better than risking a hazardous situation. Lowering the load allows for a thorough examination of the rigging, the load itself, and the lifting pathway before proceeding again.

Other choices may lead to more dangerous outcomes. Continuing the lift quickly could exacerbate the instability, increasing the risk of an accident. Adjusting the rigging while the load is still in the air could result in loss of control, and asking the operator to speed up the operation does not address the critical issue of instability and could lead to catastrophic results. Therefore, lowering the load is the safest and most responsible choice when instability is detected.