Product Overview

This Lifting Equipment Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with the selection, setup, and use of lifting devices and accessories on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that supports WHS compliance and safe operation of a wide range of lifting equipment, including cranes, hoists, forklifts, slings, and rigging gear.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection of appropriate lifting equipment, accessories, and attachments for the load and task
• Pre-start inspection and condition checking of cranes, hoists, forklifts, slings, chains, shackles, and spreader bars
• Safe working load (SWL/WLL) verification and load rating checks prior to lifting
• Planning of lifts, including identification of load weight, centre of gravity, lift path, and exclusion zones
• Rigging and slinging techniques to prevent load shift, dropped objects, and equipment failure
• Use of taglines, guide ropes, and spotters to control suspended loads and maintain clear communication
• Establishing and maintaining lifting exclusion zones to protect workers and other site personnel
• Operation of mobile and fixed lifting equipment in proximity to structures, plant, and other obstructions
• Managing environmental factors such as wind, rain, poor visibility, and uneven ground during lifting operations
• Manual handling controls when attaching, detaching, or stabilising loads to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Emergency procedures for equipment failure, uncontrolled load movement, or near-miss incidents
• Storage, maintenance, and removal from service of damaged or non-compliant lifting gear

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for crane crews, riggers, dogmen, forklift operators, construction and manufacturing workers, maintenance teams, and site supervisors responsible for managing lifting operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace: Guidance on safe use, inspection, and maintenance of lifting plant and equipment.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work: Requirements and controls for lifting activities on construction sites.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks: Risk management for manual handling associated with attaching and guiding loads.
• AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (series): Requirements for the safe operation and maintenance of cranes and hoisting equipment.
• AS 1418 Cranes, hoists and winches (series): Design and operational requirements for cranes and lifting devices.
• AS 4991 Lifting devices: Requirements for the design, verification, and marking of lifting devices.
• AS 3775 Chain slings for lifting purposes (series): Specifications for safe use and inspection of chain slings.
• AS 4497 Round slings – Synthetic fibre: Requirements for synthetic round slings used in lifting operations.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017