Product Overview

This Dogging Slinging and Rigging SWMS is a detailed Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for all dogging and rigging operations on site. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of dogging, slinging and rigging safety to support WHS compliance and safer crane lifting activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Connecting lift chains, slings and attachments to loads to ensure secure and stable lifting configurations
• Correct hand signalling for crane lifting operations to maintain clear communication between dogman and crane operator
• Planning and performing dogging work, including identifying load centre of gravity and safe lifting points
• Roles and responsibilities of the dogman, including exclusion zones, spotter duties and lift coordination
• Standardised hand signalling for operators to prevent miscommunication and unintended crane movements
• Lifting gates, panels and similar structural elements with appropriate rigging gear and lift planning
• Inspection of lifting gear, chains, hooks, shackles and slings prior to use to identify damage or defects
• Load calculation and planning, including weight estimation, sling angles and selection of appropriate lifting gear
• Safe load slinging techniques to prevent load shift, swing, or unbalanced lifts
• Correct selection, use and storage of slings, including synthetic, chain and wire rope slings
• Use of crane load charts to verify rated capacities and safe operating limits for each lift configuration
• Use of spreader bars, spreaders and beam lifters to distribute load and minimise stress on lifting points
• Working under and around raised loads, including establishing exclusion zones and emergency procedures
• Coordination with crane operators, riggers and site supervisors to manage lift sequencing and site traffic
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and housekeeping controls around lifting and rigging operations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for doggers, riggers, crane operators, construction contractors, and site supervisors involved in lifting, slinging and rigging operations on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including lifting operations
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Requirements for safe use of cranes, lifting equipment and associated plant
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and control implementation
• AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (series) – Requirements for the safe use and operation of cranes and lifting equipment
• AS 1418 Cranes, hoists and winches (series) – Design and operational requirements for cranes and associated lifting gear
• AS 3775 Chain slings for lifting purposes – Specifications for safe selection, use and inspection of chain slings
• AS 4497 Roundslings – Synthetic fibre – Requirements for synthetic round slings used in lifting operations
• AS 1353 Flat synthetic-webbing slings – Specifications for flat webbing slings used for lifting loads
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017