Riggers

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

The occupation "Riggers" has an automation risk of 19.4%, which is calculated from a base risk of 19.6%. This relatively low risk indicates that while some duties could be automated, many critical components of the role still require human expertise and judgment. Riggers are responsible for assembling and controlling rigging equipment to safely lift and move heavy materials, which involves a combination of technical knowledge, adaptability, and quick decision-making. Their work environments—often construction sites, shipyards, and manufacturing plants—add complexity due to uneven surfaces, confined spaces, and unpredictable conditions. These factors make the occupation only moderately susceptible to automation, as advanced automation solutions must meet high standards of reliability and flexibility. The most automatable tasks for Riggers typically involve repetitive actions or those that closely follow safety protocols and established routines. For instance, "Testing rigging to ensure safety and reliability," can be supported by automated sensors and monitoring equipment designed to detect wear, stress, or malfunction. Similarly, "Signaling or verbally directing workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads" could eventually be replaced by standardized communication protocols and semi-autonomous machinery. Moreover, "Controlling movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces," is becoming more feasible with advancements in robotics and machine vision, allowing precise maneuvers under remote or automated control. These tasks are procedural and often benefit from automation’s ability to reduce error and increase operational consistency. In contrast, the most resistant tasks are those that demand manual dexterity, on-the-fly creativity, and nuanced judgment. Examples include "Installing ground rigging for yarding lines, attaching chokers to logs and to the lines," and "Cleaning and dressing machine surfaces and component parts," which require adaptability to different situations, materials, and layouts. "Fabricating, setting up, and repairing rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear," especially, relies heavily on the use of hand and power tools in complex and dynamic environments—something not easily replicated by machines. The key bottleneck skills here are "Originality" (measured at 2.4% and 2.3%), reflecting the need for innovative problem-solving and the ability to adapt standard procedures to unique challenges. These competencies are difficult to automate, underpinning the profession’s lower overall automation risk.