Improved Hook block

A hook block apparatus 10 has an upper part 12 with a sheave assembly 20, a lower part 14 fixed to the upper part and a hook 30 rotatably connected to the lower part. The apparatus has a remotely operable rotator for rotating the hook about a vertical axis. The rotator may have a motor 42 and first and second gears 40, 46 and a rotation sensor 50 to detect the direction of rotation, whilst a vision sensor, such as a camera 70, may sense the orientation of the hook. An image of the hook may be transmitted to a portable device 60 which may act as a controller for the rotator. The rotator may inhibit unintended rotation of the hook or be disengaged to allow free movement of the hook.