Managing risks

Risks of using a crane include: 

  • crane structural failure, overturning or collapse 

  • the crane or its load contacting or colliding with people or other plant and structures 

  • falling objects. 

Because of the serious risks with cranes, you need a high risk licence to operate most. 

The Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace guides your responsibilities on managing risks with cranes. 

The Model Code of Practice: Tower cranes guides your responsibilities associated with tower cranes. It applies to all workplaces where tower cranes are used, stored or erected.

Using other powered mobile plant as a crane 

You can use other types of powered mobile plant as a crane. 

To lift, transport and lower freely suspended loads, you may use: 

  • backhoes 

  • front-end loaders 

  • excavators  

However, these types of powered mobile plant might not provide the same level of safety or precision as common types of cranes. 

Using any type of powered mobile plant for construction work is classified as high risk construction work and involves extra WHS duties. 

The information sheets have more advice on using other powered mobile plant, including plant with quick hitches. 

Planning for emergencies with cranes 

All workplaces require an emergency plan.  

You must test the plan in the workplace and include: 

  • effective response evacuation 

  • notifying emergency services, with their phone numbers highlighted and easy to find 

  • medical treatment. 

You must also provide emergency procedure training to your workers.