This Mechanical Lifting SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers planning and carrying out lifts with mechanical lifting devices, slings, chains and shackles. It covers 9 activities, from the daily pre-start meeting to shut down, post-work handover and emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Riggers, doggers and crane crews
Steel fabricators and erectors
Warehouses and manufacturing plants lifting heavy loads
Builders and civil contractors
Maintenance and machinery installation crews
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers use mechanical lifting equipment, the same way you'd use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
 
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
 
What this SWMS covers
Daily pre-start meeting on other crews and new hazards
Pre-operation inspection of the lifting equipment
Unstable or uneven ground, rollover and overhead power lines at set-up
Planning the lift, including load weight, centre of gravity and sling angle
Selecting rated, inspected and tagged lifting gear so it isn't overloaded
Collisions with vehicles and workers, and rollover while operating
Shut down procedures and preventing unauthorised access
Oil and hydraulic spills, debris and packaging waste
Post-work inspection for unsecured equipment, leaks and trip hazards
Emergency response to crush injury, plant collision, fire or equipment failure
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 9 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, lifting gear, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Licence requirements for operators, such as crane, hoist, forklift, dogging or rigging work
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
 
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
 
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
 
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for mechanical lifting?
Only if the work is high risk construction work, for example lifting near energised overhead power lines, where powered mobile plant is moving, or where someone could fall more than 2 metres. In a warehouse or workshop it isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover high risk work licences?
Yes. It sets out that operators are trained and assessed as competent and hold a high risk work licence where the equipment or work needs one, for example a crane, hoist, forklift, or dogging or rigging task. It also covers inspection of slings, chains and shackles by a competent person.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.