What skills does a high rigger need?

A high rigger needs 21 essential skills including work ergonomically, provide first aid, write risk assessment on performing arts production, hang chain hoists, work safely with machines. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace high rigger jobs?

The AI disruption score for high rigger is 22/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Manufacturing & ProductionMetal, machinery and related trades workersISCO 7215

high rigger

High riggers assemble and hoist temporary suspension structures on heights to support performance equipment. Their work is based on instruction, plans and calculations. Their job can include rope access, working above colleagues, assemble constructions to lift performers and lifting heavy loads, which makes it a high risk occupation. They work indoor as well as outdoor. They cooperate with ground riggers to unload and assemble constructions on ground level.

About high rigger

As a high rigger, you are responsible for assembling and installing temporary suspension structures at heights to support performance equipment in theaters, concert venues, and event spaces. Your work demands precision, technical knowledge, and unwavering attention to safety as you work above audiences and colleagues, often in dynamic live performance environments. You collaborate closely with ground riggers to ensure all components are properly prepared and installed according to detailed plans and engineering calculations.

Your daily responsibilities include rigging truss constructions, hanging chain hoists, setting up lifting systems for performers, and managing heavy loads using rope access techniques and specialized equipment. You must continuously assess risks, maintain rigging gear in perfect condition, and respond quickly to any emergency situations that may arise during live events. This high-risk occupation requires you to work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in challenging conditions, while maintaining strict compliance with health and safety regulations.

The career offers growth opportunities as you develop expertise in complex installations, advance to supervisory roles overseeing rigging teams, or specialize in specific event types. The live entertainment and events industry in Poland continues to expand, creating steady demand for skilled riggers who can ensure both technical excellence and audience safety.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a high rigger.

Rigging system assembly and installation

Assemble truss constructions and suspension systems according to technical plans and engineering specifications
Install chain hoists, motors, and rigging hardware at correct heights with proper load distribution
Perform rope access work using specialized climbing and suspension techniques to reach difficult installation points

Safety assessment and risk management

Conduct risk assessments for performing arts productions before and during setup
Ensure all personnel use appropriate personal protection equipment and follow safety protocols
Respond to emergency situations and coordinate evacuation of people from heights if necessary

Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting

Inspect, maintain, and repair rigging equipment including hoists, shackles, and slings to ensure safe operation
Store performance equipment properly and organize resources according to production requirements
Use technical documentation to troubleshoot problems and verify proper system operation

Coordination and communication

Communicate with ground riggers, technical directors, and performers using radio and hand signals during setup and live performances
Coordinate with colleagues working at different heights to ensure synchronized and safe installation
Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision and promote health and safety awareness among team members

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (21)

work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.provide first aidprovide first aidAdminister cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.write risk assessment on performing arts productionwrite risk assessment on performing arts productionAssess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.hang chain hoistshang chain hoistsInstall chain hoists in building constructions.work safely with machineswork safely with machinesCheck and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.use communication equipmentuse communication equipmentSet up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.assemble performance equipmentassemble performance equipmentSet up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.promote health and safetypromote health and safetyPromote the importance of a safe working environment. Coach and support staff to participate actively in the continuous development of a safe working environment.maintain rigging equipmentmaintain rigging equipmentCheck rigging equipment before fitting up, and make small repairs if necessary.use rope access techniquesuse rope access techniquesApply ropework to work in elevated position. Safely ascend and descend ropes, wearing a harness.organise resources for artistic productionorganise resources for artistic productionCoordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionwork safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.react to emergency situations in a live performance environmentreact to emergency situations in a live performance environmentAssess and react to an emergency (fire, threat, accident or another calamity), alerting emergency services and taking appropriate measures to safeguard or evacuate workers, participants, visitors or a...use technical documentationuse technical documentationUnderstand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.assemble truss constructionsassemble truss constructionsUse trusses, metal structures that derive strength from their construction involving triangular shapes, to construct stages for performances.store performance equipmentstore performance equipmentDismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event and store in a safe place.evacuate people from heightsevacuate people from heightsSafely evacuate people from heights using rope access techniques.provide power distributionprovide power distributionProvide power distribution for light, stage, sound, video and recording purposes.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...

Optional (16)

manage technical resources stockmanage technical resources stockManage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.maintain chain hoistsmaintain chain hoistsCheck, operate and repair chain hoists.define rigging needs for circus actsdefine rigging needs for circus actsDefine the specific safety, technical and performance needs for circus acts rigging in a technical rider or description.perform regular checks on rigging equipmentperform regular checks on rigging equipmentPerform regular in-depth checks on rigging equipment at the workshop and make the necessary repairs.operate forkliftoperate forkliftOperate a forklift, a vehicle with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying heavy loads.calculate rigging plotscalculate rigging plotsCalculate the right data to determine how the rigging will operate during a performance.ensure safety of mobile electrical systemsensure safety of mobile electrical systemsTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.document safety actionsdocument safety actionsRecord all actions taken to ameliorate health and safety, including evaluations, incident reports, strategic plans, risk assessments.operate telehandleroperate telehandlerTransfer materials in a construction environment by using a telescopic handler.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...design rigging plotsdesign rigging plotsDraw, design and calculate rigging plots.develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...maintain circus rigging equipmentmaintain circus rigging equipmentCheck, maintain and adapt circus rigging equipment regularly and before each performance.plot rigging movementsplot rigging movementsPlan and rehearse rigging movements to ensure safety of structures.assemble circus rigging equipmentassemble circus rigging equipmentAssemble and fit-up circus rigging equipment based on instruction or technical rider or description.