Mobile Crane Operations — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for mobile crane operations on construction sites, including pre-lift planning, set-up, lifting operations and pack-up. Applies to all mobile cranes requiring a crane operator licence.
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Mobile crane operations are HRCW under Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations, specifically because they involve the use of a crane or hoist. A SWMS is mandatory before any mobile crane lift commences on a construction site. For complex or critical lifts — typically defined as lifts exceeding 90% of rated capacity, tandem lifts, or lifts over live services or occupied areas — a formal lift study prepared by a competent engineer is also required in addition to the SWMS.
Licensing requirements are strict and nationally consistent across all jurisdictions that have adopted the model WHS laws. A mobile crane operator must hold a high-risk work (HRW) licence in the relevant crane class — C2 for mobile cranes up to and including 60 tonne capacity, or C6 for any capacity. Dogman and rigging licences are required for other workers involved in attaching loads and directing the crane. All HRW licences are issued by the state or territory WHS regulator following nationally recognised training and assessment.
The mobile crane must be registered plant under the WHS Regulations if it exceeds the registration threshold. Pre-use inspection must be completed to the requirements of AS 2550.1 (Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use — General requirements) and the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Ground bearing capacity is a critical pre-lift engineering requirement — outrigger pad loads for large mobile cranes can exceed 200 tonnes per pad, and inadequate ground assessment has been responsible for a number of crane collapses in Australia. A geotechnical assessment or engineer's approval for outrigger placement is standard practice on complex sites.
To customise this template, document the crane make, model, and configuration; the load to be lifted (weight, dimensions, and centre of gravity); the lift radius and boom angle; the ground condition assessment; the exclusion zone dimensions; and the names and licence numbers of the crane operator, rigger, and dogman. The lift plan, load chart, and outrigger pad calculations should be attached as appendices.
This SWMS applies in all Australian jurisdictions. Western Australia adopted the model WHS laws in 2022. Victorian users must additionally comply with OHS Regulations 2017 and the Equipment (Public Safety) Act 1994.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Area in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant
- •Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- •On, in or adjacent to a road or traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians
Risk Assessment
1.Pre-lift planning and risk assessment
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lift exceeds crane capacity at required radius | Catastrophic | Lift study completed by rigger/dogging licence holder using manufacturer load chart. Confirm total load weight (load + rigging). Confirm radius and boom configuration. Lift plan signed off before commencement. | Low | Rigger / Crane Operator |
| Overhead powerlines within crane swing radius | Catastrophic | Identify all overhead powerlines within operating radius. Maintain minimum exclusion distances per relevant state regulation (typically 3 m for <33 kV). Apply to network operator for powerline undergrounding, guarding or isolation if required. | Low | Site Supervisor / Crane Operator |
2.Crane set-up and outrigger deployment
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crane overturning due to inadequate ground bearing | Catastrophic | Ground bearing assessment completed before set-up. Outrigger pads sized to distribute load within bearing capacity. Level crane on firm, stable ground. Check for underground voids, services or soft fill. | Low | Crane Operator |
| Pinch point injury during outrigger extension | High | Exclusion zone during outrigger deployment. Operator to confirm area is clear before extending outriggers. Use spotters. | Low | Crane Operator / Spotter |
3.Rigging and slinging of load
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigging failure causing load drop | Catastrophic | Rigging gear inspected before use (no damage, current tags). SWL of rigging exceeds load weight with appropriate safety factor. Slings at correct angles. Dogging performed by licenced dogman. | Low | Licenced Rigger / Dogman |
| Load shifting or swinging during lift | High | Tag lines attached to load before lift. Licenced dogman to guide load with tag lines. Load to be balanced before lifting. No free-swinging loads. | Low | Licenced Dogman |
4.Lifting and placing load
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel struck by suspended load | Catastrophic | Exclusion zone established under and around load path. No personnel to stand under suspended load. Lift to be suspended if exclusion zone is breached. Communication protocol agreed between operator and dogman. | Low | Crane Operator / Dogman / Site Supervisor |
| Loss of communication causing incorrect crane movement | High | Standard hand signals or two-way radio used consistently. Crane operator to stop if communication is lost. One designated dogman/signaller only. Emergency stop signal known by all. | Low | Crane Operator / Dogman |
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.