Lifting Supervisor Course

Lesson 1 • Core Physics of Lifting

Introduces load, force, centre of gravity, and stability concepts essential to safe lift planning. Builds the mechanical reasoning used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Roles and Responsibilities

Defines duties of the lifting supervisor, crane operator, rigger, and signaller. Clarifies authority boundaries critical to safe command and control.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Standards Framework

Explains the hierarchy of lifting regulations, standards, and codes of practice without referencing specific jurisdictions. Enables supervisors to locate and apply applicable requirements.

Lesson 4 • Lifting Industry Overview

Covers the scope of lifting operations across industries and the supervisor's role within them. Provides context for all subsequent technical and regulatory content.

Lesson 1 • Site Survey and Environmental Factors

Teaches structured site surveys covering ground conditions, overhead obstructions, and utilities. Outputs feed directly into lift plan development.

Lesson 2 • Documenting and Communicating Risk

Structures risk assessment records and briefing formats for team communication. Reinforces the supervisor's duty to share findings before work begins.

Lesson 3 • Risk Assessment Methodology

Applies likelihood-consequence matrices and hierarchy of controls to lifting scenarios. Connects hazard data to documented control decisions.

Lesson 4 • Hazard Recognition in Lifting

Categorises mechanical, environmental, and human hazards common to lifting operations. Builds the observational framework applied in all risk assessment activities.

Lesson 1 • Inspection Principles and Frequency

Establishes when and why inspections occur, distinguishing pre-use checks from thorough examinations. Anchors inspection practice in regulatory duty.

Lesson 2 • Maintenance Oversight by Supervisors

Defines the supervisor's role in monitoring maintenance schedules and verifying completion. Bridges inspection findings and maintenance action.

Lesson 3 • Crane and Hoist Inspection

Details structural, mechanical, and electrical checks for cranes and hoists. Provides pass/fail criteria supervisors apply before authorising use.

Lesson 4 • Defect Reporting and Withdrawal

Establishes the process for tagging, reporting, and removing defective equipment from service. Prevents unauthorised use of unsafe equipment.

Lesson 1 • Sling Types and Safe Working Loads

Compares wire rope, chain, synthetic, and round slings by capacity, application, and limitation. Establishes the basis for configuration selection.

Lesson 2 • Sling Angle and Load Factors

Explains how sling angle reduces effective capacity and increases leg tension. Enables supervisors to verify that configurations remain within rated limits.

Lesson 3 • Verifying Rigging Before Lift

Provides a structured pre-lift rigging check sequence for supervisors. Integrates inspection, configuration, and load data into a go/no-go decision.

Lesson 4 • Multi-Leg and Basket Configurations

Covers two-leg, four-leg, and basket hitches with load distribution assumptions. Prepares supervisors to assess complex rigging setups.

Lesson 1 • Method Statement Development

Converts lift plan data into a step-by-step method statement with control measures. Provides the operational script used during execution.

Lesson 2 • Plan Review and Authorisation

Establishes the review chain for lift plans including competent person sign-off and client approval. Supervisors understand their authority limits within the process.

Lesson 3 • Crane Selection and Capacity

Applies load charts, radius, and boom configuration data to select appropriate crane capacity. Prevents overloading through systematic chart reading.

Lesson 4 • Lift Plan Document Structure

Outlines mandatory elements of a lift plan including site layout, equipment specs, and rigging details. Ensures plans meet regulatory and operational requirements.

Lesson 1 • Radio Communication Protocols

Establishes radio channel discipline, call procedures, and back-up communication plans. Reduces miscommunication risk during complex multi-crane operations.

Lesson 2 • Standardised Hand Signals

Teaches the full set of industry-standard hand signals used between signaller and operator. Ensures unambiguous communication when radio contact is unavailable.

Lesson 3 • Exclusion Zone Management

Defines exclusion zone sizing, barriers, and access control during crane operations. Protects personnel from suspended load and crane movement hazards.

Lesson 4 • Crane Setup and Outrigger Deployment

Details correct outrigger extension, pad sizing, and level verification before operations. Errors in setup are a leading cause of crane overturning.

Lesson 1 • Pre-Lift Briefing and Authorisation

Structures the final briefing covering plan, roles, signals, and emergency actions before lift commencement. Confirms all personnel are ready and informed.

Lesson 2 • Load Set-Down and Rigging Removal

Covers safe landing zone preparation, controlled set-down, and rigging removal sequence. Prevents injuries during the final and often overlooked lift phase.

Lesson 3 • Lift Execution Monitoring

Defines supervisor positioning, observation points, and real-time checks during the lift. Maintains continuous situational awareness throughout the operation.

Lesson 4 • Managing Deviations from Plan

Provides decision criteria for pausing, modifying, or aborting a lift when conditions change. Reinforces that plan deviation requires supervisor authorisation.

Lesson 1 • Performance Monitoring and Review

Introduces leading and lagging indicators for lifting safety performance. Enables supervisors to identify trends and escalate concerns proactively.

Lesson 2 • Incident Classification and Reporting

Defines near misses, dangerous occurrences, and accidents with reporting thresholds. Ensures supervisors meet notification obligations promptly and accurately.

Lesson 3 • Root Cause Investigation Methods

Applies structured investigation tools such as fault tree analysis and the five-whys technique. Identifies systemic causes beyond immediate human error.

Lesson 4 • Corrective and Preventive Actions

Develops corrective action plans with owners, timelines, and verification steps. Ensures findings translate into measurable operational improvements.