Crane-Lifted Work Boxes

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines critical safety measures for the operation of crane-lifted work boxes, addressing potential hazards such as mechanical failures, falls, and crush injuries. It is designed for use by construction teams, crane operators, and safety officers to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards. By following this SOP, organizations can significantly reduce risks associated with elevated work and improve overall safety at the workplace.

• Crane mechanical or structural failure with personnel suspended → fatality
• Work box failure (welded structure, lift points, gate) → fatality
• Fall from the work box if the harness or anchor fails
• Crush injury between the work box and a structure during placement
• Communication failure between occupants, dogger, and crane operator
• Sudden load change if occupants exit before the box is at zero load
• Crane configuration change during the lift (e.g., wind, dynamic loads)
• Overhead powerline contact

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Part 4.4 Falls; Part 5.1 High Risk Work; Part 3.1 Plant
• AS 1418.17 — Cranes, hoists and winches — Design and construction of work boxes
• AS 2550.1 — Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use — General requirements
• AS 2550.5 — Cranes, hoists and winches — Mobile and vehicle-loading cranes — Safe use
• AS/NZS 1891 series — Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia — Guide to Safe Use of Crane-Lifted Work Boxes
• Engineered Lift Plan and Rescue Plan (associated documents)