I am not sure how the rod is being used, another word is it to align the suspended load with the pile on the ground or is it just to minimize swaying of the suspended load. Also what do you mean by "... when they need to get up to the pile of product." Do you mean as the workers approach the pile or if the worker is getting on the top of the lowest pile so as to stack up to a higher level? If it is to minimize swaying of the suspended loads, then, all activities I am acquainted with is to use ropes.