COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Risk Management for Dogging in High-Risk Worksites course. This training will provide you with the knowledge, strategies, and practical tools required to identify, assess, and control the unique risks associated with dogging activities on high-risk construction and industrial sites in accordance with Australian WHS legislation.

Doggers play a critical role in lifting operations, guiding loads, selecting rigging, and maintaining ground-level safety. Without proper risk management, dogging tasks can result in serious incidents such as dropped loads, crush injuries, and equipment failure.

The course begins by outlining the purpose of risk management in dogging operations and reinforces the legal obligations doggers hold under the Work Health and Safety Act. Participants will explore the consequences of poor hazard control—ranging from legal penalties and operational delays to life-threatening injuries—and gain a clear understanding of their duty of care on high-risk worksites.

Doggers have a frontline role in hazard control. This section examines the responsibilities associated with guiding loads, communicating with crane operators, and selecting suitable rigging gear. Participants will also review the competency requirements for doggers, including the need to hold a High-Risk Work Licence and demonstrate ongoing skill in task-specific rigging decisions.

Some dogging tasks present significantly heightened risk. This section identifies high-risk activities such as blind lifts, tandem crane operations, working near powerlines, or managing irregular loads with sharp edges or shifting centres of gravity. Participants will learn how to assess these scenarios and escalate planning or controls accordingly.

Common hazards must be identified and controlled proactively. This section explores dangers such as swinging or dropped loads, tensioned slings, pinch points, unstable terrain, and adverse weather. Recognising these risks early enables effective control before work begins.

Risk assessments must be site-specific. Participants will be guided through the process of conducting a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Task Risk Assessment (TRA) tailored to the dogging task. Reviewing lift plans, consulting hazard registers, and assessing terrain, layout, and overhead obstructions are critical steps in this process.

The hierarchy of control is central to risk management. This section teaches how to prioritise control measures—beginning with elimination or substitution where possible, and layering engineering controls (e.g. exclusion zones, rated rigging gear), administrative controls (e.g. procedures, permits), and personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimise residual risk.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are a legal requirement for dogging tasks. This section covers how to develop and review SWMS that specifically address dogging hazards, ensure controls are embedded in work stages, and update documents when site conditions change or variations are introduced.

Rigging equipment must be correctly selected and inspected. Participants will learn how to choose appropriate slings, shackles, hooks, and chains, inspect for wear or defects, and quarantine gear that does not meet compliance standards. Maintaining rigging integrity is vital for safe lifting.

Effective exclusion zone control reduces risk to ground personnel. This section teaches how to calculate appropriate safety distances, install signage and barricades, and assign spotters to enforce the boundaries during lifts. Exclusion zones must be clearly marked and maintained throughout operations.

Clear communication is essential to lift safety. This section focuses on the use of standardised hand signals, radio protocols, and verbal commands. Special attention is given to blind lift scenarios where visibility is limited and miscommunication can quickly escalate risk.

Load stability must be maintained during every phase of the lift. Participants will examine how to use correct sling angles, balance loads, apply taglines, and identify factors such as shock loading, shifting weight, or improper rigging configurations that could destabilise the load.

Doggers must understand how to work safely around cranes and moving plant. This section covers crane slewing paths, counterweight clearance, outrigger zones, and how to coordinate dogging movements with crane operators to avoid being in crush zones or swing radii.

Environmental factors can increase the risk of dogging tasks. This section outlines how to assess and respond to weather conditions, including high wind, poor visibility, rain, and lightning. Participants will learn to monitor ground conditions for instability and trigger stop-work procedures when risks exceed safe operating limits.

Manual handling risks are also present in dogging work. This section explains safe techniques for lifting and carrying rigging gear, the use of mechanical aids for heavy components, and how to minimise repetitive strain through job rotation and task variation.

Emergency preparedness ensures fast and effective response to incidents. Participants will learn how to plan for dropped loads, equipment failure, or personnel entrapment, and how to locate and use emergency response gear in accordance with site protocols and drills.

Incident reporting and investigation are key to improvement. This section explains the steps to take after an incident or near miss, how to complete incident forms, participate in toolbox debriefs, and contribute to root cause analysis and future risk prevention efforts.

Continuous improvement underpins long-term safety. This final section encourages participants to review performance data, update risk controls, revise procedures, and provide input into training and planning processes. A proactive safety culture begins with individual awareness and team commitment.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the risk management tools, legal knowledge, and practical control measures required to plan and perform dogging work safely in high-risk environments—ensuring compliance, protecting your team, and contributing to a culture of proactive hazard management across every lift.

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 Risk Management in Dogging Operations

• Purpose of risk management in high-risk lifting environments
• Legal obligations of doggers under WHS legislation
• Consequences of poor risk control in dogging work

2. Understanding the Role of a Dogger in Hazard Control

• Responsibilities for load guidance, communication, and rigging selection
• Interfacing with crane operators, riggers, and safety personnel
• Legal competency requirements and High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL)

3. Identifying High-Risk Dogging Activities

• Blind lifts, suspended loads over personnel, and dual-crane lifts
• Lifting unstable, awkward, or sharp-edged loads
• Operations in confined spaces, near powerlines, or on elevated platforms

4. Recognising Common Hazards in Dogging Tasks

• Swinging or dropped loads
• Pinch points, tensioned slings, and crush zones
• Weather hazards, ground instability, and overhead obstructions

5. Conducting Site-Specific Risk Assessments

• Performing Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Task Risk Assessment (TRA)
• Reviewing site conditions, layout, and lifting configurations
• Consulting the lift plan, site drawings, and hazard registers

6. Applying the Hierarchy of Control in Dogging Work

• Eliminating or reducing high-risk activities where possible
• Implementing engineering controls: barriers, exclusion zones, rated gear
• Applying administrative controls and PPE as supporting measures

7. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for Dogging Tasks

• Legal requirement for high-risk work
• Including dogging-specific hazards and controls
• Reviewing and updating SWMS when conditions change

8. Selecting and Inspecting Rigging Equipment Safely

• Choosing the right slings, shackles, chains, and lifting attachments
• Inspecting gear for wear, deformation, or unapproved modifications
• Tagging, quarantining, or replacing non-compliant equipment

9. Establishing and Controlling Exclusion Zones

• Determining safe working distances for the load path
• Marking and barricading zones with signage and barriers
• Assigning spotters or doggers to maintain zone integrity

10. Managing Communication-Related Risks

• Using standardised hand signals and verbal commands
• Ensuring clear radio protocols, especially during blind lifts
• Addressing miscommunication promptly to avoid unsafe actions

11. Preventing Load Instability and Swing Hazards

• Correct sling angle selection and load balancing
• Use of taglines for guiding loads safely
• Monitoring for shock loading, overloads, and shifting centres of gravity

12. Working Around Cranes and Plant Equipment

• Understanding crane movement paths and slew zones
• Staying clear of counterweights and outrigger footprints
• Coordinating dogging work with crane operators during lifts

13. Controlling Environmental and Site-Specific Risks

• Assessing wind speed, rain, visibility, and lightning risks
• Responding to adverse weather or unstable ground conditions
• Implementing stop-work triggers for dangerous site changes

14. Manual Handling and Ergonomic Risk Controls

• Safe lifting and handling of rigging gear
• Using mechanical aids or team lifting for heavy components
• Avoiding repetitive strain through job rotation and task variation

15. Emergency Preparedness in Dogging Operations

• Planning for dropped loads, entrapment, or equipment failure
• Location and use of first aid kits, rescue gear, and communication points
• Following site emergency response protocols and drills

16. Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedures

• Immediate steps following an incident or near miss
• Completing incident reports, risk reviews, and toolbox debriefs
• Participating in investigations and contributing to corrective actions

17. Continuous Improvement of Risk Management Practices

• Reviewing performance data and recurring safety issues
• Updating lift plans, procedures, and training based on incidents
• Encouraging a culture of hazard awareness and proactive risk control

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”.