Lifting Supervisor Course

Lesson 1 • Core Physics of Lifting

This topic introduces load, force, centre of gravity, and stability concepts essential to safe lift planning. It builds the mechanical reasoning used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Roles and Responsibilities

This topic defines the duties of the lifting supervisor, crane operator, rigger, and signaler. It clarifies authority boundaries critical to safe command and control.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Standards Framework

This topic explains the hierarchy of lifting regulations, standards, and codes of practice without referencing specific jurisdictions. It enables supervisors to locate and apply applicable requirements.

Lesson 4 • Lifting Industry Overview

This topic covers the scope of lifting operations across industries and the supervisor's role within them. It provides context for all subsequent technical and regulatory content.

Lesson 1 • Site Survey and Environmental Factors

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

Lesson 2 • Documenting and Communicating Risk

This topic structures risk assessment records and briefing formats for team communication. It reinforces the supervisor's duty to share findings before work begins.

Lesson 3 • Risk Assessment Methodology

This topic applies likelihood-consequence matrices and hierarchy of controls to lifting scenarios. It connects hazard data to documented control decisions.

Lesson 4 • Hazard Recognition in Lifting

This topic categorises mechanical, environmental, and human hazards common to lifting operations. It builds the observational framework applied in all risk assessment activities.

Lesson 1 • Inspection Principles and Frequency

This topic establishes when and why inspections occur, distinguishing pre-use checks from thorough examinations. It anchors inspection practice in regulatory duty.

Lesson 2 • Maintenance Oversight by Supervisors

This topic defines the supervisor's role in monitoring maintenance schedules and verifying completion. It bridges inspection findings and maintenance action.

Lesson 3 • Crane and Hoist Inspection

This topic details structural, mechanical, and electrical checks for cranes and hoists. It provides pass/fail criteria that supervisors apply before authorising use.

Lesson 4 • Defect Reporting and Withdrawal

This topic establishes the process for tagging, reporting, and removing defective equipment from service. It prevents unauthorised use of unsafe equipment.

Lesson 1 • Sling Types and Safe Working Loads

This topic compares wire rope, chain, synthetic, and round slings by capacity, application, and limitation. It establishes the basis for configuration selection.

Lesson 2 • Sling Angle and Load Factors

This topic explains how sling angle reduces effective capacity and increases leg tension. It enables supervisors to verify that configurations remain within rated limits.

Lesson 3 • Verifying Rigging Before Lift

This topic provides a structured pre-lift rigging check sequence for supervisors. It integrates inspection, configuration, and load data into a go/no-go decision.

Lesson 4 • Multi-Leg and Basket Configurations

This topic covers two-leg, four-leg, and basket hitches with load distribution assumptions. It prepares supervisors to assess complex rigging setups.

Lesson 1 • Method Statement Development

This topic converts lift plan data into a step-by-step method statement with control measures. It provides the operational script used during execution.

Lesson 2 • Plan Review and Authorization

This topic 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

This topic applies load charts, radius, and boom configuration data to select appropriate crane capacity. It prevents overloading through systematic chart reading.

Lesson 4 • Lift Plan Document Structure

This topic outlines mandatory elements of a lift plan including site layout, equipment specs, and rigging details. It ensures plans meet regulatory and operational requirements.

Lesson 1 • Radio Communication Protocols

This topic establishes radio channel discipline, call procedures, and backup communication plans. It reduces miscommunication risk during complex multi-crane operations.

Lesson 2 • Standardized Hand Signals

This topic teaches the full set of industry-standard hand signals used between signaler and operator. It ensures unambiguous communication when radio contact is unavailable.

Lesson 3 • Exclusion Zone Management

This topic defines exclusion zone sizing, barriers, and access control during crane operations. It protects personnel from suspended load and crane movement hazards.

Lesson 4 • Crane Setup and Outrigger Deployment

This topic 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 Authorization

This topic structures the final briefing covering plan, roles, signals, and emergency actions before lift commencement. It confirms all personnel are ready and informed.

Lesson 2 • Load Set-Down and Rigging Removal

This topic covers safe landing zone preparation, controlled set-down, and rigging removal sequence. It prevents injuries during the final and often overlooked lift phase.

Lesson 3 • Lift Execution Monitoring

This topic defines supervisor positioning, observation points, and real-time checks during the lift. It maintains continuous situational awareness throughout the operation.

Lesson 4 • Managing Deviations from Plan

This topic provides decision criteria for pausing, modifying, or aborting a lift when conditions change. It reinforces that plan deviation requires supervisor authorisation.

Lesson 1 • Performance Monitoring and Review

This topic introduces leading and lagging indicators for lifting safety performance. It enables supervisors to identify trends and escalate concerns proactively.

Lesson 2 • Incident Classification and Reporting

This topic defines near misses, dangerous occurrences, and accidents with reporting thresholds. It ensures supervisors meet notification obligations promptly and accurately.

Lesson 3 • Root Cause Investigation Methods

This topic applies structured investigation tools such as fault tree analysis and the five-whys technique. It identifies systemic causes beyond immediate human error.

Lesson 4 • Corrective and Preventive Actions

This topic develops corrective action plans with owners, timelines, and verification steps. It ensures findings translate into measurable operational improvements.