Wire rope slings give the user a versatile and safe means of connecting loads to cranes and hoists and other lifting appliances, so long as they are used in the correct way, by  a competent operator who has been trained in their use, and in what damage necessitates their removal. 

They are often chosen over other types of slings due to preference of the user, but in certain cases make the best choice of lifting accessory to attach to the load. 

The safe use of wire rope slings is governed by Standard B30.9 published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which shall be read and understood before a customer makes a sling purchase.