Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for the safe use of cranes in masonry projects, from pre-lift planning to demobilisation. It helps Australian construction businesses control high-risk lifting activities, protect workers and the public, and demonstrate compliance with WHS obligations on every job.

Crane operations in masonry projects are inherently high risk, involving heavy loads, suspended materials, tight access, and changing site conditions. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, repeatable method for planning and executing crane lifts involving masonry units, precast elements, lintels, stone, and related materials on Australian construction sites. It guides you through critical controls such as lift planning, load assessment, exclusion zones, communication protocols, and coordination with other trades in congested work areas.

By implementing this SOP, your business can move beyond ad-hoc lifting practices and establish a consistent, defensible system for crane use in masonry works. It helps you reduce the likelihood of dropped loads, structural damage, and crush injuries while ensuring that crane operators, doggers/riggers, and masonry crews are working to the same clear instructions. The document supports compliance with Australian WHS legislation, relevant crane and masonry standards, and principal contractor requirements, giving you confidence during audits, client reviews, and regulator inspections.

This SOP is particularly valuable for contractors who frequently lift brick packs, block pallets, stone cladding, precast panels, and masonry accessories at height. It integrates safety, productivity, and quality considerations so that lifts are not only safer but also better coordinated, reducing rework, delays, and costly incidents on site.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, safe crane operations across all masonry projects and sites.
• Reduce the risk of dropped loads, crush injuries, and structural damage during lifting activities.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation, crane standards, and principal contractor requirements.
• Streamline communication between crane operators, doggers/riggers, and masonry crews through clear roles and signals.
• Improve planning and coordination of lifts to minimise delays, rework, and site congestion.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Crane Operators
• Doggers and Riggers
• Masonry Contractors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Principal Contractors
• Leading Hands and Forepersons
• Safety Coordinators
• Plant and Equipment Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Dropped loads from incorrect slinging, overloading, or unstable masonry packs
• Crush and pinch injuries to workers in the load path or within exclusion zones
• Struck-by incidents from swinging loads or unexpected crane movements
• Crane overturning due to inadequate ground conditions or incorrect outrigger setup
• Structural damage to partially built masonry walls from improperly positioned or stabilised loads
• Contact with overhead powerlines or underground services during crane setup and operation
• Manual handling injuries from poor planning of lift locations and landing areas
• Weather-related risks such as high winds affecting load stability and visibility
• Communication failures between crane operator, dogger, rigger, and ground crew
• Unauthorised access to lifting zones by other trades or the public

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope – Crane Use in Masonry Projects
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (crane types, dogger, rigger, critical lift, exclusion zone)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Pre-Planning of Lifts in Masonry Works
• 6.0 Site Assessment and Ground Conditions for Crane Setup
• 7.0 Crane Selection, Positioning and Capacity Verification
• 8.0 Load Assessment for Masonry Units, Packs and Precast Elements
• 9.0 Rigging, Slinging and Load Stability Requirements
• 10.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Equipment
• 11.0 Establishing Exclusion Zones and Traffic Management Around Crane Operations
• 12.0 Communication Protocols, Hand Signals and Two-Way Radio Use
• 13.0 Step-by-Step Operating Procedure for Lifting Masonry Materials
• 14.0 Working Near Overhead and Underground Services
• 15.0 Coordination with Other Trades and Work at Height Interfaces
• 16.0 Weather, Visibility and Environmental Considerations
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response (dropped load, equipment failure, injury)
• 18.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Pre-Start Checks for Cranes and Lifting Gear
• 19.0 Training, Induction and Verification of Competency
• 20.0 Recordkeeping, Lift Plans and Documentation Requirements
• 21.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Crane Operations in Masonry Projects

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variations)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (particularly provisions relating to plant and high risk work)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use
• AS 1418 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Design and construction
• AS 4570: Pre-cast concrete – General requirements (where precast masonry elements are used)
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites (for site power and crane supply where relevant)