Product Overview

This Mobile Crane SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with mobile crane operations on Australian worksites. It provides end-to-end coverage of planning, setup, lifting, and demobilisation activities to support WHS compliance and safe management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of mobile crane operations, including lift studies and pre-start risk assessments
• Selection and verification of appropriate crane capacity, boom configuration, and lifting attachments for the task
• Establishing exclusion zones and traffic management around crane set-up and lifting areas
• Safe positioning, set-up, and levelling of the crane, including deployment and inspection of outriggers and mats
• Pre-operational inspections of the crane, lifting gear, safety devices, and emergency systems
• Rigging and slinging of loads, including inspection and correct use of chains, slings, shackles, and lifting beams
• Communication protocols between crane operator, dogman/rigger, and spotters using radios and standard hand signals
• Managing lifting operations near overhead powerlines and other services, including no-go and spotter requirements
• Controlling risks associated with lifting over live plant, occupied areas, or public spaces
• Managing wind, weather, and ground conditions that may affect crane stability and lifting safety
• Emergency procedures for crane malfunction, load loss, near misses, and uncontrolled movements
• Demobilising, packing up, and securing the crane and lifting equipment after completion of works
• Safe loading, unloading, and securing of crane components and counterweights for road transport

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for mobile crane operators, riggers and dogmen, construction and civil contractors, steel erectors, precast installers, and site supervisors responsible for managing crane operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – guidance on safe use, inspection, and maintenance of cranes and associated plant
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – requirements for managing high risk construction work involving lifting operations
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – controls for working at height around cranes, loads, and access systems
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for noise exposure from crane operations and associated plant
• AS 2550 Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Safe Use – guidance on inspection, operation, and maintenance of cranes
• AS 1418 Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Design and Construction – technical requirements relevant to crane safety features and limitations
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical Installations – Construction and Demolition Sites – requirements for electrical safety around crane operations on construction sites
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017