Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Crane, Lifting & Rigging

Dogman Operations — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the direction of crane operations and load attachment/detachment activities carried out by a licensed dogman, including signal communication, exclusion zone management, and load landing.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hat (Class 1)High-visibility vest (Class 2)Steel-capped safety bootsLeather glovesSafety glassesTwo-way radio (where visual signals are impractical)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Crane or hoist work
•Rigging work that requires a rigging work licence
•Work at height above 2 metres (if directing lifts from elevated positions)

Risk Assessment

1.Briefing and pre-lift communication

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Misunderstood crane signals leading to uncontrolled movement	Catastrophic	Conduct a formal pre-lift toolbox talk with crane operator, all dogmen, and relevant workers before commencing lifts each day. Confirm that all parties are using the same hand signal standard (AS 2550.1 Appendix A) or radio communication protocol, and that all two-way radios are on the same channel with clear reception. Test radio communication before first lift. Appoint a single dogman as the primary signal person for each lift — only one person may give crane movement signals at any time. Establish and agree on an emergency stop signal (crossed arms above head) to be used by any person on site.	Low	Dogman / Crane Operator / Lift Supervisor

2.Establishing and managing lift exclusion zones

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Unauthorised persons entering the lift exclusion zone	Catastrophic	Establish exclusion zone barriers (bunting, safety mesh, barriers) covering the full footprint of the lift area plus 3 m in all directions before any crane movement. Assign a designated exclusion zone controller (separate from the dogman) for complex lifts over public areas or occupied buildings. All workers must acknowledge the exclusion zone boundaries during pre-lift briefing. The dogman must conduct a visual sweep of the entire exclusion zone immediately before giving the hoist signal. Immediately call 'STOP' if any person enters the exclusion zone during a lift.	Low	Dogman / Lift Supervisor
Load travelling over occupied areas outside the construction site	High	Lifts over occupied areas outside the construction site boundary require a Critical Lift Plan approved by the Principal Contractor and relevant authority. Coordinate lift timing to avoid public peak periods. Where possible, temporarily close or redirect pedestrian and vehicle movement below the lift path. Engage a second dogman or spotter at the load destination to monitor ground-level exclusion zone. Document and authorise all lifts over public areas in the site lift register.	Moderate	Lift Supervisor / Principal Contractor

3.Load attachment and detachment

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Dogman struck by load during hook-on or release operations	High	Dogman must approach the load only once the hook block is stationary and at a safe height (no more than 1 m above the load for hook-on). Stand to the side of the load, not in front or behind in the direction of potential swing. For load release on landing, place load on secure dunnage and confirm stability before releasing slings — do not stand under the rigging when the crane takes the slack. Use remote hook release or a hook-release pole where regular access positions the dogman under the rigging. Signal 'ALL CLEAR' to operator only after confirmed clear of rigging.	Low	Dogman

4.Directing crane movement in restricted areas

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Crane jib or load contacting structure or overhead obstruction	High	Walk the full lift path and identify all obstructions (scaffolding, formwork, adjacent structures, powerlines) before commencing the lift. Measure clearances and record in the lift plan. Use a second dogman/spotter positioned at the narrowest clearance point with direct radio communication to primary dogman. Specify maximum permissible travel speed through restricted areas in the lift plan — all movements in restricted zones to be at minimum hoist speed. Crane operator must stop immediately if any signal communication is interrupted.	Moderate	Dogman / Crane Operator

5.Load landing and off-rigging

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Load shifting or collapsing after landing	High	Confirm that the landing zone is on a flat, compacted surface capable of bearing the load. Position dunnage (timber packs) to ensure load lands evenly on a minimum of 3 points. Do not release crane tension until load is fully rested and stable — crane maintains light tension while workers place and adjust dunnage. Confirm load stability before dogman moves within 2 m of load to remove slings. Stack multiple landed loads using proper stacking techniques and lash if required to prevent toppling. Do not exceed stacking heights specified in the lift plan.	Low	Dogman / Site Supervisor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________