COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Hazard Management in Rigging & Dogging Operations course. This program has been developed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and procedural understanding required to identify, assess, and control hazards in high-risk rigging and dogging environments.

Hazard management is a structured process that underpins every safe lifting operation. This course begins by defining hazard management in the context of rigging and dogging—emphasising the importance of proactive identification, systematic assessment, and effective control measures. You will explore the legal and operational duties that apply under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, and why high-risk lifting activities demand strict adherence to formalised risk management procedures.

Australian WHS law provides the framework for safe rigging and dogging operations. This section introduces the Model WHS Act and Regulations, highlighting provisions specific to high-risk work licensing, risk controls, and consultation requirements. You will also learn about the legal obligations of PCBUs, workers, and supervisors, and the mandatory use of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) to manage known risks.

Understanding the unique hazards of rigging and dogging is fundamental to safe planning. This section breaks down the different categories of hazards you may face—such as structural instability, uncontrolled loads, sling failure, or poor communication. Environmental and operational risk factors are also examined to provide a complete picture of the lifting hazard landscape.

Everyone involved in a lift has a defined role in hazard management. This section explores the responsibilities of licensed riggers and doggers, alongside crane operators, supervisors, and engineers. You will learn how hazard control depends on effective coordination between team members and integration of safety responsibilities throughout the lifting process.

Site-specific risk assessments are the cornerstone of hazard prevention. This section guides you through the process of collecting site data, reviewing lift plans, and accounting for environmental and structural conditions. You will explore how to involve stakeholders in hazard identification and how to formally document risks in a consistent and auditable way.

Mechanical and equipment-related hazards are a common source of lifting incidents. This section focuses on common failures such as sling breakage, hook defects, worn shackles, or improper load rigging. It will also explain how misuse of equipment like spreader bars, chains, and synthetic slings can compromise lift safety.

Load characteristics can introduce significant risk if not assessed correctly. This section examines hazards related to irregular shapes, sharp edges, centre of gravity shifts, and suspended loads. You’ll learn how to avoid positioning loads over personnel and prevent overloading cranes or hoists beyond their rated capacity.

Environmental conditions often change throughout the workday. This section highlights how weather, surface conditions, lighting, access limitations, and overhead obstructions can increase hazard levels during rigging and dogging. Safe clearances from powerlines and confined lift zones are also addressed.

Human factors are a leading cause of lifting incidents. This section addresses how fatigue, complacency, lack of training, or poor communication between team members can result in uncontrolled or unsafe lifting operations. You will learn how to recognise and address behavioural risk factors proactively.

Certain tasks pose inherently greater risks. This section outlines how to identify high-risk lifts such as dual-crane lifts, blind lifts, or slewing under load. Complex operations such as panel erection or lifting near live services require specialised controls and advanced planning.

Effective hazard control relies on applying the hierarchy of controls. This section teaches how to eliminate unnecessary lifts, substitute unsafe tasks, and implement engineering controls such as load restraints or barriers. Administrative controls and PPE are then applied to fill remaining risk gaps.

Administrative strategies support consistent hazard management. This section focuses on the development of lift plans, SWMS, exclusion zone diagrams, and visual site signage. It also outlines the importance of scheduling lifts to avoid congestion and reinforcing procedures through pre-start meetings and job safety analysis (JSA).

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the final layer of hazard defence. This section reviews the selection, inspection, and maintenance of helmets, gloves, boots, and high-visibility clothing. You will also explore how to ensure compatibility between PPE and the tasks being performed.

Communication must be clear and consistent throughout all lifting activities. This section outlines the use of standardised hand signals, two-way radio procedures, and fallback communication methods. The risks of miscommunication during complex or blind lifts are also examined.

Hazard identification is not a one-time activity. This section focuses on monitoring conditions throughout lift execution, watching for evolving risks, and updating documentation accordingly. You will also learn how to log near misses and adapt control measures in real time.

When things go wrong, a structured emergency response is critical. This section teaches how to respond to incidents such as dropped loads, mechanical failure, or personnel injuries. Procedures for evacuating exclusion zones, notifying SafeWork, and beginning an investigation are also covered.

Competent personnel are key to successful hazard management. This section outlines training and licensing requirements for riggers and doggers, the importance of verification of competency (VOC), and strategies for mentoring apprentices or new workers in risk management.

Hazard management must be a daily cultural commitment. This final section focuses on how to promote a safety-first mindset among rigging teams. You’ll learn how to encourage peer accountability, reward hazard reporting, and embed hazard management practices into pre-starts, toolbox talks, and ongoing site operations.

By completing this course, you will be equipped to identify, assess, and manage hazards in rigging and dogging environments to a high professional standard—reducing incidents, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of safety across your lifting operations.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Hazard Management in Rigging and Dogging

• Defining hazard management in high-risk lifting operations
• Importance of systematic identification, assessment, and control
• Legal and operational responsibilities under WHS law

2. WHS Legislative Framework for High-Risk Work

• Model WHS Act and Regulations relevant to rigging and dogging
• Duty of care for PCBUs, workers, and supervisors
• Mandatory use of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

3. Understanding the Nature of Rigging and Dogging Hazards

• Types of hazards specific to rigging
• Hazards in dogging activities
• Identifying environmental and operational risk factors

4. Roles and Responsibilities in Hazard Management

• Responsibilities of licensed riggers and doggers
• Role of supervisors, engineers, and crane operators in managing risk
• Integrating hazard controls across the lifting team

5. Conducting Site-Specific Risk Assessments

• Gathering site data, lift plans, and environmental conditions
• Involving all stakeholders in hazard identification
• Documenting and reviewing risks through formal processes

6. Common Mechanical and Equipment Hazards

• Sling failure, damaged hooks, and worn lifting gear
• Misuse of spreader bars, chains, or synthetic slings
• Load misalignment and uncontrolled movement

7. Hazards Associated with Load Characteristics

• Sharp edges, irregular shapes, or shifting centres of gravity
• Suspended loads above personnel or occupied areas
• Overloading cranes or lifting beyond rated capacities

8. Environmental Hazards Affecting Rigging and Dogging

• Wind, lightning, and wet surfaces creating unsafe conditions
• Ground instability and inadequate access
• Overhead obstructions, powerlines, and confined lift zones

9. Human Factors and Behavioural Hazards

• Fatigue, complacency, and poor situational awareness
• Miscommunication between dogger and operator
• Inadequate training or unfamiliarity with lift plans

10. Identifying High-Risk Tasks and Lift Types

• Dual crane lifts, blind lifts, and slewing under load
• Tilt-up panel erection and complex load manipulation
• Emergency lifts, structural positioning, or lifting near live services

11. Implementing the Hierarchy of Controls

• Eliminating unnecessary lifts or unsafe procedures
• Substituting manual handling with mechanical solutions
• Using engineering controls such as fixed lifting points or barriers

12. Administrative Controls in Hazard Management

• Developing lift plans, SWMS, and exclusion zone maps
• Using visual signage, barricades, and lift scheduling
• Pre-start meetings, JSA documentation, and risk registers

13. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Rigging and Dogging

• Selection and inspection of helmets, gloves, and safety footwear
• High visibility clothing and communication devices
• Limitations of PPE and ensuring compatibility with tasks

14. Hazard Controls for Communication and Signals

• Standardised dogger hand signals and radio use protocols
• Establishing backup communication methods
• Preventing misunderstanding during complex lifts

15. Monitoring, Review, and Ongoing Hazard Identification

• Continuous observation during lift execution
• Identifying new or evolving hazards in real time
• Logging issues and updating SWMS as needed

16. Incident Response and Emergency Procedures

• Immediate actions following dropped loads or equipment failure
• Site evacuation and exclusion zone control
• Notifying SafeWork and completing incident investigations

17. Training and Competency for Hazard Management

• Licensing and VOCs for riggers and doggers
• Training on hazard reporting and SWMS use
• Mentoring apprentices in safe lifting practices

18. Embedding a Safety-First Culture in Rigging and Dogging Teams

• Promoting peer accountability and open hazard reporting
• Recognising safe behaviours and continuous improvement
• Integrating hazard management into daily operations and toolbox talks

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.