Do We Always Need a Dogman?

No! A worker with a dogman high-risk work licence is not always required when moving loads with a crane or hoist.

Dogging and rigger work involve judgement in selecting the appropriate lifting equipment (such as slings and shackles), where and how to connect them to the load and are qualified to inspect lifting equipment.

A dogman is also required to direct crane or hoist movement of the load if the load is out of the crane operator’s view.

Therefore, workers can be trained, in-house or by specialists, to connect pre-determined slings and shackles to pre-determined and rated lifting points, and operate a hoist or crane themselves (for categories that do not require a licensed crane operator) as long as the load remains in view at all times.

Note : If used, dogmen and riggers must hold a “high risk work” licence. Refer to our other blog article “Rigger vs Dogman” for the difference between riggers and dogmen.