Tower cranes

Tower cranes are an indispensable part of modern high rise construction, however, while reliable and robust, they carry significant hazards.

These hazards include:

falling objects
structural collapse
contact with objects, including powerlines
difficult access for treating or rescuing injured workers.

Safety campaign 2022

From July 2022, SafeWork NSW Inspectors will visit sites to conduct compliance checks on tower crane operations and talk with principal contractors, site supervisors, operators and doggers.

The Inspectors will focus on high risk work crane and dogging licences, safe slinging and load movements, planning, consultation and communication, and equipment maintenance.

Download new tower crane safety checklist (PDF, 166.44 KB)

Legal obligations

Crane owners, others with management or control of the crane, those performing maintenance and onsite managers (usually the principal contractor) have obligations under the work health and safety legislation.

Item and design registration

Plant with a high level risk of harm associated with its operation, use or maintenance, must be registered by the owner, lessee or controller of the plant. Tower cranes require both design and item registration.

Inspection and maintenance

There are specific laws regarding the major inspection and maintenance of tower cranes.

High risk work licence

A high risk work licence is required for certain types of work, including tower crane operation.

Guidance material

SafeWork NSW

Climbing frames fitted to tower cranes – This safety alert highlights the risks associated with the use of climbing frames on tower cranes.
Erecting, climbing and dismantling tower cranes – This safety alert highlights the risks associated with erecting, climbing or dismantling a tower crane and the action required by all PCBUs involved in this work.
Key messages on tower cranes – These key messages were identified following the November 2012 crane fire at Broadway in Sydney. They are relevant to manufacturers and suppliers, but may help crane crews, or persons with management or control, to work with crane companies to address site issues.
Mobile communication devices – Using mobile communication devices while operating (or working near) tower cranes can cause distraction. This content outlines the risks and how you can stay safe.
Risk of falls from tower cranes – This safety alert provides guidance to designers, manufacturers, suppliers, installers, operators, and persons with control of sites on how to minimise the risk of falls when using tower cranes.
Safety Checklist – Tower crane safety for PCBUs (PDF, 166.44 KB) – This checklist can be used by principal contractors and site supervisors to manage the risks of tower crane activities on construction sites.
Tower cranes critical faults – This list of critical faults is intended to assist crane crews and those with management or control of operating tower cranes.
Tower cranes – duties of principal contractors – This guide provides a summary of principal contractor duties in relation to a tower cranes.
Tower crane maintenance – Advice on improving safety and preventing costly delays after a failure has stopped crane operations.

Safe Work Australia

Guide to tower cranes – The guide provides information on siting, erecting and using tower and self-erecting tower cranes.