What is the most common design of a hook used in rigging?

The most common design of a hook used in rigging is indeed the hoist. Hoist hooks are specifically designed for lifting loads, and they incorporate features that make them suitable for secure attachment to slings, chains, and other rigging equipment. They typically have a safety latch that helps prevent slippage or accidental disconnection from the load being lifted, which is critical for worker safety.

In the context of rigging, hooks are used extensively because they can quickly and easily connect to various load types and anchoring points. Their design allows for efficient loading and unloading processes in various applications, such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Other options such as shackles, links, and turn buckles serve different roles in the rigging and hoisting processes but are not primarily classified as hooks for lifting loads. Shackles are used to connect different rigging components, links act as connectors between chains or cables, and turn buckles are used to adjust tension or length of rigging.