Home › Installation, Maintenance & Repair › Riggers

How a rigger can use AI, task by task

O*NET 49-9096.00: Riggers14 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Gantry Rigger, Hand Rigger, Heavy Lift Rigger, Machinery Erector, Machinery Mover, Marine Rigger, Motor Rigger, Rigger, Rigging Fabricator, Ship Rigger.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 0%AI-assist 18%Stays human 82%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 0 AI-ready, 2 AI-assist and 12 human-led tasks out of 14. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.Coordinate & message · Daily
  2. Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.Plan & schedule · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.Watch & inspect · Several times a day
  2. Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.Hands-on work · Several times a day
  3. Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.Hands-on work · Several times a day

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 0

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

None of this job's tasks are here.

AI can help you prep these 2

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.

Daily

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.

Job: [describe]
Who: [other workers]

Draft a coordination plan and messages. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Coordinate installation or repair

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you signal verbally direct workers (today).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate with coworkers to coordinate installations or repairs..

Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.

Daily

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Job: [remote sensing, cabling, install]
Requirements: [specs]

List equipment, tools and materials needed. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Equipment and materials list

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select gear (today).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine types of equipment, tools, or materials needed for jobs..

These stay human 12

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Outdoors in all weather: every day · Responsible for others' health and safety: very high responsibility

Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.

Several times a day

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
System: [describe]
Requirements: [what it should do]

List functional tests and pass criteria. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: System function test

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you test rigging.
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning..

Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Load: [weight, shape, centre of gravity]
Gear: [slings, shackles, hoist]

List sling choice, angles, capacity checks and signals. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Rigging plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attach loads.
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Gear] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every sling and shackle's rated capacity against the load at your angle.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Attach rigging to objects so they can be moved..

Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Unit: [engine, transmission, machine]
Lifting gear: [hoists, stands]

List teardown order, lifting points and part tracking. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Heavy equipment teardown

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you dismantle and store rigging equipment.
Step 2Fill in [Unit] and [Lifting gear] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check lifting gear capacity against the component weights.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Dismantle heavy equipment or machinery..

Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Route: [floors, rooms]
Items: [linens, supplies]

Plan a cart layout and route. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Moving supplies efficiently

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads (today).
Step 2Fill in [Route] and [Items] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Move materials, equipment, or supplies..

Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Load: [weight, dimensions]
Equipment: [crane, hoist, rigging]

List pre-lift checks, signals, path and landing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Crane or hoist lift plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you control movement of heavy equipment (today).
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the load chart for your radius and configuration.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment..

Align, level, and anchor machinery.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to align, level, and anchor machinery.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Equipment: [vehicle, machine]
Specs: [angles, tolerances]

List measurement and adjustment steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Alignment job

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you align, level, and anchor machinery (today).
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Specs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Align equipment or machinery..

Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Route: [floors, rooms]
Items: [linens, supplies]

Plan a cart layout and route. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Moving supplies efficiently

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you manipulate rigging lines and hoists (today).
Step 2Fill in [Route] and [Items] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Move materials, equipment, or supplies.. Also involves: Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment..

Load machines onto trucks to prepare for transportation.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to load machines onto trucks to prepare for transportation.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
What's loaded: [slides, cargo]
Requirements: [order, distribution]

List steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Loading checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you load machines (this week).
Step 2Fill in [What's loaded] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Load materials or equipment..

Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, such as beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, such as beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Load: [weight, shape, centre of gravity]
Gear: [slings, shackles, hoist]

List sling choice, angles, capacity checks and signals. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Rigging plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attach pulleys and blocks (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Gear] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every sling and shackle's rated capacity against the load at your angle.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Attach rigging to objects so they can be moved..

Fabricate, set up, and repair rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear, using hand and power tools.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to fabricate, set up, and repair rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear, using hand and power tools.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Load: [weight, shape, centre of gravity]
Gear: [slings, shackles, hoist]

List sling choice, angles, capacity checks and signals. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Rigging plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you fabricate, set up and repair (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Gear] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every sling and shackle's rated capacity against the load at your angle.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Attach rigging to objects so they can be moved..

Clean and dress machine surfaces and component parts.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to clean and dress machine surfaces and component parts.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Equipment: [instruments, lab gear, tools]
Manual guidance: [cleaning and maintenance steps]

Make a maintenance checklist and log. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Clean-and-maintain routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean and dress machine surfaces and component parts (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Manual guidance] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order..

Install ground rigging for yarding lines, attaching chokers to logs and to the lines.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a rigger. Part of my job is to install ground rigging for yarding lines, attaching chokers to logs and to the lines.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, mechanical and production and processing.
Load: [weight, shape, centre of gravity]
Gear: [slings, shackles, hoist]

List sling choice, angles, capacity checks and signals. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Rigging plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you install ground (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Gear] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every sling and shackle's rated capacity against the load at your angle.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Attach rigging to objects so they can be moved..

Get the full prompt pack for Riggers

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Where should we send your PDF?

Your Riggers prompt pack downloads straight away, and a copy goes to your inbox.

We'll also send occasional updates about this playbook. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Operations Monitoringimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Troubleshootingimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Quality Control Analysisimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Active Listeningimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Speakingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (63% of workers)

  • High school or less 84%
  • Certificate or some college 16%
  • On-the-job training: 3–6 months
  • Related experience: 3–6 months

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Autodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word

Related jobs