COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Emergency Preparedness in Rigging & Lifting Worksites course. This program is designed to equip you with the critical knowledge and practical skills required to effectively plan for, respond to, and manage emergencies in high-risk rigging and lifting environments.
Lifting operations inherently involve potential hazards—such as dropped loads, equipment failures, structural collapse, and working at heights—which, if not anticipated and addressed, can lead to severe injury, fatalities, or site-wide incidents. Proactive emergency preparedness is not only a legal requirement under Australian WHS legislation—it is a professional obligation that ensures the safety and resilience of everyone on site.
This course begins by defining emergency preparedness in the context of rigging work. Participants will understand the objectives of a proactive approach—minimising harm, maintaining control during critical events, and ensuring rapid recovery from unplanned incidents. This section also introduces the legal framework that governs emergency planning under WHS laws, including site-specific protocols, duty of care requirements, and the importance of documented emergency response procedures.
Identifying potential emergency scenarios is a key planning step. This section explores the range of incidents that can arise in rigging operations, such as load shifts, equipment malfunctions, sling failure, crush injuries, and falls from height. Understanding the nature of these risks enables teams to develop effective contingency measures tailored to each lifting activity.
Clear roles and responsibilities are vital during emergencies. Participants will learn the expected actions of riggers, doggers, crane operators, and site supervisors in emergency response situations. The importance of maintaining a defined chain of command, assigning specific duties, and fostering teamwork during high-stress events will be emphasised to ensure swift and organised action.
Emergency risk assessment must begin during the planning phase. This section outlines how to assess potential emergencies when preparing Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), factoring in site layout, weather exposure, and task complexity. Anticipating risks before work begins ensures greater control when incidents occur.
Developing a rigging-specific emergency response plan is essential for readiness. Participants will learn how to structure a plan that includes rescue methods, communication systems, evacuation routes, and shutdown procedures. Plans should also consider simultaneous operations occurring in multiple lifting zones, requiring coordinated response measures.
Site-specific emergency procedures must be clearly established. This section covers the development of evacuation protocols for personnel on the ground and at height, crane shutdown procedures, and coordinated responses for multi-zone sites. Participants will explore how to implement these procedures through signage, briefing sessions, and documentation.
Effective communication is crucial during emergencies. Participants will learn how to issue clear verbal alerts, emergency hand signals, and coded radio transmissions (e.g. Code Red, Stop Work). Backup systems such as air horns, signal lights, or secondary radio channels will also be discussed for use in communication failure scenarios.
Emergency equipment must be strategically located and maintained. This section details essential gear including trauma kits, rescue harnesses, descent devices, fire extinguishers, spill kits, and eyewash stations. Participants will understand how to select, store, and inspect this equipment to ensure it is available and functional when needed.
Rescue from heights is a high-priority emergency scenario. This section explores how to plan for suspended worker rescues, including the use of retrieval systems, controlled descent techniques, and safe anchor points. Rapid and safe retrieval can make the difference between minor injury and fatality.
Dropped load incidents demand careful response. Participants will learn how to stabilise or isolate unstable loads, prevent secondary hazards, and ensure that responders remain protected during intervention. Coordination and caution are essential to prevent escalation of the original incident.
Equipment failure and structural collapse can trigger widespread site disruption. This section outlines immediate evacuation and isolation procedures, how to identify critical failure points, and the importance of securing the scene for investigation. Reporting and logging failures is key to preventing recurrence.
Rigging-related injuries require prompt and appropriate first aid. Participants will learn to provide immediate care for common injuries—such as fractures, crush trauma, or shock—while awaiting emergency services. Accurate injury reporting supports workplace health policies and legal compliance.
Evacuation from high-risk areas must be carefully planned. This section teaches how to develop safe egress strategies for crane zones, elevated platforms, or enclosed workspaces. Designated muster points and personnel tracking systems, including roll calls and digital check-ins, help confirm that all workers are accounted for.
External responders must be supported effectively. Participants will learn how to liaise with emergency services, provide access and hazard information, and assist in rescue coordination. Sharing lift plans, access routes, and site maps ensures that responders can work efficiently and safely.
Preparedness must be regularly tested. This section emphasises the value of emergency drills and simulations—such as dropped load responses, fall-from-height rescues, and fire scenarios—to build team confidence, assess response times, and identify procedural gaps.
Finally, post-incident review and documentation support learning and compliance. Participants will learn how to complete incident reports, collect evidence, submit witness statements, and participate in formal investigations. Lessons learned from incidents must be used to refine emergency response protocols and prevent recurrence.
By the end of this course, you will have the capability to contribute to a safe and responsive rigging worksite, with the knowledge and tools required to plan for, respond to, and manage emergencies effectively—ensuring legal compliance, worker safety, and operational continuity in the most challenging circumstances.
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 Emergency Preparedness in Rigging Operations
- Definition and objectives of emergency preparedness
- Importance of proactive emergency planning in high-risk lifting environments
- Legal duties under WHS legislation and site-specific protocols
2. Identifying Emergency Scenarios in Rigging and Lifting Work
- Dropped loads or uncontrolled movements
- Equipment failure
- Worker fall from height, crush incidents, or entrapment
3. Understanding Roles and Responsibilities During Emergencies
- Responsibilities of riggers, doggers, operators, and site managers
- Chain of command in emergency response situations
- Importance of teamwork and designated response roles
4. Risk Assessment for Emergency Preparedness
- Assessing potential emergencies during lift planning
- Evaluating site conditions, environmental hazards, and task complexity
- Including emergency risks in JSA and SWMS documentation
5. Developing an Emergency Response Plan for Rigging Work
- Components of a rigging-specific emergency response plan
- Assigning emergency coordinators and response personnel
- Planning for simultaneous high-risk operations on complex sites
6. Establishing Site-Specific Emergency Procedures
- Developing evacuation procedures for ground crews and elevated personnel
- Determining shutdown procedures for cranes and rigging gear
- Creating response protocols for multiple lifting zones
7. Communication Protocols in Emergency Situations
- Using clear verbal commands and emergency hand signals
- Activating alarms or radio codes
- Establishing backup communication systems
8. Emergency Equipment Requirements for Rigging Worksites
- First aid kits, trauma packs, and emergency rescue kits
- Fire extinguishers, spill kits, and emergency eye wash stations
- Rescue equipment for heights: harnesses, retrieval systems, descent devices
9. Managing Fall Incidents and Height Rescues
- Rescue planning for suspended workers
- Safe retrieval procedures and use of anchor systems
- Coordinating response teams and minimising rescue delays
10. Load Failure and Uncontrolled Movement Response
- Securing or isolating suspended or unstable loads
- Preventing secondary hazards following a dropped load
- Protecting responders from further danger during response
11. Responding to Equipment Failure and Structural Collapse
- Identifying critical failure points in rigging equipment or lifting gear
- Evacuating affected areas immediately and isolating the scene
- Reporting and investigating equipment malfunctions
12. First Aid Response for Rigging-Related Injuries
- Common injuries: crush injuries, fractures, lacerations, shock
- Providing initial treatment while awaiting paramedics
- Recording injuries in accordance with workplace policies
13. Evacuation Procedures for High-Risk Zones
- Planning safe egress from crane zones, elevated platforms, or restricted areas
- Designating muster points and communicating evacuation signals
- Accounting for all personnel using roll call or digital systems
14. Liaising with Emergency Services and External Responders
- Providing site access and hazard information to first responders
- Coordinating rescue efforts during large-scale emergencies
- Sharing lift plans and site maps with responding agencies
15. Conducting Emergency Drills and Simulations
- Scheduling regular emergency response exercises
- Practising dropped load, height rescue, and fire response scenarios
- Evaluating team performance and improving procedures
16. Post-Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedures
- Completing incident reports, witness statements, and site logs
- Collecting evidence and photographic records
- Participating in formal investigations and WHS reviews
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”.