Mini crane SWMS, drafted for your job
A mini crane fits through narrow access, but its outriggers can overload a slab and its boom can trap people against the building. Restricted sightlines make load control part of the setup. Describe the job and site so the draft reflects your work, then check the SWMS with the crew before starting.
A$39per job
However many high-risk activities it covers.
- However many high-risk activities it covers.
- 3 for A$99
- 10 for A$249
- Yearly A$129 for 120
- Monthly A$60 for 10
You review it on site before work starts.
Your Business
Safe Work Method Statement
Version 1
Draft
Mini crane
Site Your site address
Law Your state
High-risk construction work
- Work where powered mobile plant is moving
Job steps, hazards and controls
| 1 | Survey floor and lifting route | Slab failure and narrow crush gaps | High | Verify floor support and clear the travel route |
| 2 | Position crane and outriggers | Settlement and crane overturning | High | Set load spreaders and verify the selected crane configuration |
| 3 | Rig load and test communication | Dropped load and unclear signals | High | Inspect rigging and agree one lift signal source |
| 4 | Lift and land the load | Swinging load near building fabric | High | Barrier load path; land before releasing lifting gear |
| 5 | Stow and move crane out | Track movement and trapped workers | High | Clear the route and use a spotter at restrictions |
Illustrative first page. Yours carries your business name only.
What you get
What your mini crane SWMS will contain
An A4 document your crew can read on site, a PDF for the builder and a sign-on register.
- Job and site detailsYour business, the site, the principal contractor, the dates.
- High-risk construction workThe categories your job involves, ticked.
- Step-by-step methodEach step with its hazards, risk rating and controls.
- How controls are checkedWho puts each control in place, monitors and reviews it.
- PPE, plant and permitsEquipment and training the job needs.
- Emergency planAssembly point, first aid, nearest hospital to confirm on site.
- Consultation and reviewWho was consulted, when it is reviewed.
- Sign-on registerYour crew signs by QR or on paper.
High-risk construction work
Categories this task often involves
You tick the ones your job involves. Each ticked category gets its own steps and controls, in your state's wording.
- Work where powered mobile plant is moving
State notes
Rules depend on your state
Pick your state when you start. Your state's regulator publishes the rules and guidance for this work.
Hazards and controls
What goes wrong on a mini crane job, and how the SWMS controls it
These rows are written for this task. Your draft adds the ones your site and method need.
- 1
Mini crane outriggers punching through a suspended floor
High- Have the floor and travel route assessed for crane and outrigger loads
- Position load spreaders to the lifting plan before extending outriggers
- 2
Spider crane overturning with partly extended outriggers
High- Use the crane configuration and load chart for the actual outrigger arrangement
- Check level and support before lifting; stop if any outrigger settles
- 3
Workers pinned between mini crane tracks and door jambs
High- Clear people from the narrow travel route before moving the crane
- Use a spotter outside crush gaps and stop when sightlines are lost
- 4
Suspended glazing swinging into walls during mini crane lifts
High- Barrier the lifting path and landing area
- Use suitable rigging and tag lines; keep hands away from pinch points
- 5
Mini crane boom contacting ceiling services
High- Check the boom envelope against roof steel, pipes and electrical services
- Isolate affected services or relocate the crane where clearance cannot be maintained
- 6
Exhaust fumes collecting around an indoor mini crane
High- Use an electric power option suited to indoor lifting where practicable
- Provide ventilation and stop work if fumes collect in the work area
How the job usually runs
- 1Survey floor and lifting routeSlab failure and narrow crush gaps → Verify floor support and clear the travel route
- 2Position crane and outriggersSettlement and crane overturning → Set load spreaders and verify the selected crane configuration
- 3Rig load and test communicationDropped load and unclear signals → Inspect rigging and agree one lift signal source
- 4Lift and land the loadSwinging load near building fabric → Barrier load path; land before releasing lifting gear
- 5Stow and move crane outTrack movement and trapped workers → Clear the route and use a spotter at restrictions
PPE for this job
- Safety helmet
- Safety boots
- High-visibility clothing
- Safety glasses
- Rigging gloves
- Hearing protection where needed
Your draft lists the PPE your site and method need.
After you finalise
Brief your crew and send it to your builder
Crew signs by QR
Send to my builder
PDF and register
Builder sent it back?
Make their changes and re-issue the same job free. Workers re-sign the new version.
Questions
Mini crane SWMS questions
- Last reviewed
- 21 October 2026
- How
- Hazard rows checked against the task; no legal line is stated unless it is logged from primary text.
- Next review
- Every six months, or when the method or rules change
Can a mini crane work on a suspended slab?
Only after the slab and access route have been assessed for the planned loads. The draft covers outrigger positions, load spreaders and checks before travelling or lifting on the floor.
Does it cover lifting through a narrow doorway?
Yes. Describe the crane, doorway and load path. The draft covers travel clearance, spotter positions, crush gaps and a separated landing area before the lifting sequence begins.
How much does a mini crane SWMS cost?
One job uses 1 SWMS when you finalise: A$39 for one, however many high-risk activities it covers. AI drafting needs a SWMS pack or plan. Packs and Yearly cost less per SWMS.
Is this a template?
No. You describe the job and the site, and the SWMS is drafted for them. You edit anything, then finalise it.
Who checks the SWMS?
You do, with your crew, on site before work starts. The draft gives you a strong starting point; the person running the work makes sure it matches the site.
My builder sent it back. What now?
Open it, make the changes they asked for and re-issue it. Corrections to the same job are free.
How does my crew sign it?
Show the QR code on your phone or print the A4 sign-on sheet. Workers read and sign on their own phones without an account.
Does it work in my state?
Yes. You choose the state before drafting, and the document names the law that applies there. Victoria uses its OHS Regulations.
Related
Related SWMS
