A lifting hook (14) provided with a remotely operated safety latch (12), wherein remote operation is used to both open and close the latch. The latch can be magnetically held (36) in the open position to connect and disconnect the load from the hook. Furthermore, an indicator (42) can be provided to indicate when the latch is latched and unlatched. The latch can be operated with lines with a first line (62) controlling one direction of movement of the latch and a second line (64) controlling a second direction of movement of the latch.