Product Overview

This Vehicle Loading Crane SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective controls for crane loading and unloading operations. It is a comprehensive document that supports WHS compliance and safe use of vehicle loading cranes across multiple tasks and site conditions, helping you manage High Risk Construction Work obligations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and setting up vehicle loading crane operations, including site assessment and traffic management
• Pre-start inspections and functional testing of the vehicle loading crane and associated lifting equipment
• Selection, inspection and safe use of lifting gear such as slings, chains, hooks and lifting attachments
• Safe loading and unloading of materials from trucks, trailers and delivery vehicles
• Positioning and stabilising the vehicle using outriggers, stabilisers and ground condition controls
• Operating the crane within rated capacity, load charts and manufacturer’s specifications
• Communication methods between crane operator, dogman/rigger and spotters, including use of hand signals and radios
• Working in proximity to overhead and underground services, including powerlines and other utilities
• Managing suspended loads, swing, drift and exclusion zones to protect workers and the public
• Controlling risks from adverse weather, poor visibility and changing site conditions
• Emergency procedures for crane failure, load loss, near misses and incident response
• Fatigue management, competency requirements and licence verification for crane operators and dogmen
• Manual handling risk controls when attaching, securing and releasing loads
• Securing the crane and work area after use, including post-operation checks and documentation

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for transport operators, construction contractors, logistics providers, crane truck operators, and site supervisors responsible for vehicle loading crane activities 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 use of vehicle loading cranes
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – requirements for safe use, inspection and maintenance of cranes and lifting equipment
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and control implementation
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Falls at Workplaces – relevant to accessing truck decks, loads and elevated work areas
• AS 2550.11 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Vehicle-loading cranes – specific requirements for the safe operation and maintenance of vehicle loading cranes
• AS 1418.11 Cranes, hoists and winches – Vehicle-loading cranes – design and operational parameters for vehicle loading cranes
• AS/NZS 4991 Lifting devices – requirements for the design, manufacture and safe use of lifting devices used with cranes
• AS 1353 Flat synthetic-webbing slings and AS 3775 Chain slings – guidance on selection, inspection and safe use of common lifting slings
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017