Competent people, a planned lift, and a load that stays under control
Crane and lifting work goes wrong through overload, tip-over, falling loads or contact with power lines — and human error is the major factor. WorkSafe's Approved Code of Practice for Cranes sets the framework: a competent operator who has the final say and can stop an unsafe lift, a competent dogger and rigger, a documented lift plan for complex lifts, firm ground, exclusion zones, and no lifting over people.
WorkSafe's Approved Code of Practice for Cranes sets out who does what. Three roles carry the lift, and each is accountable for their part.
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Controller (PCBU) | Ensures operators are competent, and selects the right machine for the lift. |
| Operator | Experienced on that crane; follows the rating charts, manuals and pre-start checks; has the final say and must never operate until conditions are safe. |
| Dogger & rigger | Experienced in slinging loads and directing the crane; in high-visibility clothing; ensures the load is rigged and the crane directed safely. |
Big or complex lifts need a documented lift plan. It should cover the load weight, the crane's capacity against its rating chart and range, the ground conditions, the rigging, the exclusion zones, the communication method, and — for tower cranes — boom-clash agreements with any neighbouring cranes. The operator and dogger work through it together before the lift.
Every lift must stay within the crane's rated capacity (safe working load) for the radius and configuration. Assess the standing area so it can take the forces imposed on it, deploy outriggers fully, and where required have engineered work platforms verified by a geotechnical engineer. A permit should be issued for mobile and vehicle-mounted cranes using outriggers.
Keep clear of overhead lines: no crane activity within 4 metres of live power lines unless the electricity supply authority has agreed in writing. Manage the risk of falling objects — rigging certified and no free-fall — and, where practicable, never lift over workers or public areas. Where people could be struck, use exclusion zones or suitably designed gantries, and control the risk of boom clash.
Wind and weather can make a planned lift unsafe, so monitor conditions and be ready to stop. Carry out pre-start checks and keep the crane inspected and certified. During maintenance, isolate and lock out stored and powered energy — see energy isolation & lockout-tagout and plant & machinery safety.
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WorkSafe's Approved Code of Practice for Cranes sets the framework for crane work, including the roles of the controller, operator and dogger or rigger.
The controller ensures competent operators and the right machine; the operator runs the crane and has the final say; and the dogger and rigger sling the load and direct the crane. Each is accountable for their part.
For big or complex lifts. The plan covers load weight, crane capacity against the rating chart, ground conditions, rigging, exclusion zones and communications.
No crane activity should take place within 4 metres of live overhead power lines unless the electricity supply authority has agreed to it in writing.
Where practicable, no. Loads should not be lifted over workers or public areas; where people could be struck, use exclusion zones or suitably designed gantries.
