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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Dogman operations — the directing of crane movements and the attaching and detaching of loads — are HRCW under Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations because they involve the use of a crane or hoist. A Dogman (DG) HRW licence is required for all workers performing this role, and the licence must be current and issued by the relevant state or territory WHS regulator. Dogman training includes crane signals, load estimation, sling selection, exclusion zone management, and communication procedures.
The dogman plays a critical safety role in every crane lift. In Australian practice, the dogman is the person responsible for directing the crane operator when the load is not visible to the operator, for attaching the load correctly using appropriate rigging, and for establishing and maintaining the exclusion zone around the lift area. The exclusion zone must prevent any person from entering the area beneath a suspended load — a requirement of the model WHS Regulations that is absolute. No person may stand under a suspended load under any circumstances.
Communication between the dogman and crane operator is standardised through the hand signals defined in AS 2550.1 (Cranes — Safe use) or approved radio communication systems. Where radio is used, communication protocols must be documented in the SWMS, including the frequency used, call signs, and the procedure for lost contact. On complex or multi-crane sites, a dedicated lift coordinator may be required to manage crane interactions and oversee multiple dogmen.
The dogman is also responsible for ensuring the load is correctly rigged and stable before directing the crane to lift. This includes verifying the load weight against the crane's rated capacity at the lift radius, checking sling angles and ensuring no shock loading occurs at lift-off, and confirming that all loose material on or attached to the load has been removed or secured.
Customise this template with the specific crane type, the communication method to be used, the exclusion zone dimensions and barriers, and the licence numbers of the dogman and crane operator. This SWMS applies in all Australian jurisdictions that have adopted the model WHS laws.
Personal Protective Equipment
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.