Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level hazards, risks, and controls for the safe operation of hoists on Australian worksites, supporting contractors and PCBU’s to meet their WHS obligations. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document that covers multiple aspects of Hoist Operation SWMS, from material and personnel hoisting through to daily inspections and emergency procedures to support strong WHS compliance.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Assigning and authorising competent personnel for material hoist operation, including verification of training and licences where required
• Safe hoisting of personnel and materials in accordance with rated capacities, manufacturer’s instructions, and site-specific procedures
• Operating hoists using correct start-up, travel, and shutdown sequences to minimise mechanical failure and collision risks
• Selection and inspection of hoist equipment, including cages, platforms, gates, interlocks, and associated lifting components
• Pre-start inspections and functional testing of hoists, controls, limit switches, emergency stops, and safety devices
• Loading and unloading procedures to prevent overloading, load shift, falling objects, and entrapment of workers
• Establishing and maintaining exclusion zones, barricades, and signage around hoist towers, landings, and loading areas
• Communication protocols between hoist operators, doggers, riggers, and ground personnel, including use of radios and standard signals
• Emergency response procedures for hoist malfunction, power failure, entrapment, and rescue coordination
• Lock-out/tag-out and isolation procedures during maintenance, repair, or when hoists are taken out of service
• Housekeeping and control of trip hazards, debris, and obstructions at hoist bases, landings, and access points
• Weather and environmental considerations, including high wind, lightning, and poor visibility affecting hoist operation
• Traffic management and interaction of hoists with cranes, mobile plant, and pedestrian routes on busy construction sites

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for builders, construction contractors, hoist operators, riggers, site supervisors, and principal contractors responsible for the safe operation of personnel and material hoists on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with construction work, including powered plant and hoisting operations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of hoists and other plant
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for preventing falls from hoist platforms, landings, and access points
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Falling Objects Code of Practice: Controls for preventing dropped and falling objects during hoisting operations
• AS 2550 Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Safe Use (relevant parts): Guidance for the safe use, inspection, and operation of hoists and associated lifting equipment
• AS 1418 Cranes, Hoists and Winches (relevant parts): Design and operational requirements for cranes, hoists, and winches used on construction sites
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017