Product Overview

Summary: This procedure provides a structured, step-by-step method for identifying, assessing and controlling crane-related hazards on Australian worksites. It helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under WHS law, reduce the risk of crane incidents, and embed a consistent, defensible risk assessment process across projects.

Cranes are among the highest-risk items of plant on any Australian worksite, with the potential for catastrophic outcomes if hazards are not systematically controlled. This Crane Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment SOP sets out a clear, repeatable process for recognising crane-related risks before work starts, during lifting operations, and after completion. It guides your team through structured pre-lift planning, site-specific risk assessments, and the documentation required to show that reasonably practicable steps have been taken to protect workers and the public.

The procedure is designed to align with Australian WHS legislation and recognised industry guidance, helping businesses move beyond ad-hoc checks and verbal briefings. It clarifies who is responsible for each part of the risk assessment, how to evaluate the likelihood and consequence of crane hazards, and what control measures should be considered for different types of lifts, environments and crane configurations. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce crane-related incidents, improve communication between operators, doggers, engineers and supervisors, and create a clear audit trail that stands up to regulator and client scrutiny.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, documented approach to crane hazard identification and risk assessment across all sites and projects.
• Reduce the likelihood of crane overturns, dropped loads, collisions and near misses through structured planning and control selection.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant Codes of Practice for plant and crane operations.
• Improve communication and coordination between crane operators, doggers, riggers, supervisors and engineers during lift planning.
• Support training and competency development by providing a clear, practical reference for conducting crane risk assessments.

Who is this for?

• Crane Operators
• Doggers and Riggers
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Plant and Fleet Managers
• Principal Contractors
• Civil and Structural Engineers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Mining and Resources Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Crane overturning due to ground instability, overloading or incorrect setup
• Load drops from inadequate rigging, equipment failure or loss of control
• Crane or load contact with overhead powerlines and electrical installations
• Collision with structures, plant, vehicles or personnel within the operating radius
• Structural failure of crane components due to poor maintenance or misuse
• Uncontrolled load swing from wind, sudden movements or poor communication
• Pinch, crush and entrapment injuries in slewing, hoisting and telescoping zones
• Hazards from operating cranes near excavations, trenches or underground services
• Traffic management risks from mobile crane movements on and off site
• Environmental hazards such as high wind, poor visibility, rain or lightning during lifts

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (crane types, high risk work, critical lift, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Legislative and Standards Reference Framework
• 5.0 Pre‑Planning and Information Gathering (drawings, load data, site conditions)
• 6.0 Crane Hazard Identification Process
• 7.0 Risk Assessment Methodology (likelihood, consequence and risk rating matrix)
• 8.0 Typical Crane Hazards and Suggested Control Measures
• 9.0 Site-Specific Risk Assessment for Crane Operations
• 10.0 Critical and Complex Lifts – Additional Assessment Requirements
• 11.0 Ground Conditions, Set‑up and Stability Assessment
• 12.0 Powerlines, Services and Restricted Zone Assessment
• 13.0 Traffic Management and Exclusion Zone Planning
• 14.0 Environmental and Weather Condition Assessment
• 15.0 Communication, Lift Planning and Permit Requirements
• 16.0 Pre‑Lift Checks, Toolbox Talks and Sign‑off
• 17.0 Monitoring During Lifts and Dynamic Risk Management
• 18.0 Post‑Lift Review, Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
• 19.0 Recordkeeping, Forms and Example Crane Risk Assessment Checklist
• 20.0 Training, Induction and Review of this SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (plant and high risk work provisions)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – General Guide for Cranes
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (relevant parts for specific crane types)
• AS 1418 series: Cranes, hoists and winches (relevant design and operation standards)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines