Lifting Governance Audits & Compliance Reviews
Independent reviews of crane, hoist, lifting equipment and lifting management systems.
Safe Lifting Australia provides independent lifting governance audits and compliance reviews for organisations operating cranes, hoists, lifting equipment and complex lifting systems.
Our reviews assess more than the physical condition of lifting equipment. We examine how lifting activities are governed, maintained, inspected, planned, documented and performed across the organisation. The result is a practical assessment of your current lifting framework, supported by clear findings, prioritised actions and a structured improvement roadmap.
More Than an Asset Inspection
Routine crane inspections confirm the condition and operation of individual assets.
A lifting governance review considers the broader systems responsible for keeping those assets and lifting activities safe and compliant.
This may include:
Management policies and procedures
Asset registers and inspection programs
Preventive maintenance systems
Major inspection compliance
Defect management
Lifting equipment and tagging systems
Operator and rigger competency
Lift planning and risk assessment
Contractor management
High-risk and non-routine lifting activities
Compliance with applicable Australian Standards
Our objective is not simply to identify defects.
We help organisations understand where their lifting systems are strong, where risk exists and what actions are required to achieve sustainable improvement.
Scope of a Lifting Governance Review
Governance and Management Systems
We review the systems that establish accountability and control lifting activities across the organisation.
This may include:
Crane and lifting policies
Procedures and work instructions
Roles and responsibilities
Lift planning requirements
Risk assessment processes
Contractor management
Procurement controls
Management of change
Document control
Compliance and corrective-action systems
Crane, Hoist and Asset Compliance
Representative lifting assets can be assessed for condition, identification, inspection status and compliance.
Assets may include:
Overhead travelling cranes
Gantry and portal cranes
Jib cranes
Monorails
Electric chain hoists
Wire-rope hoists
Manual chain blocks and lever hoists
Winches
Lifting beams
Spreader beams
Forklift lifting attachments
Special-purpose lifting devices
The review may consider:
Safe Working Load markings
Asset identification
Inspection status
Operator controls
Isolation arrangements
Safety devices
Maintenance condition
Major inspection status
Available design and lifecycle information
Lifting Equipment Management
We review the systems used to inspect, identify, register and manage lifting equipment and accessories.
This may include:
Chain slings
Wire-rope slings
Synthetic slings
Shackles
Hooks
Eyebolts
Plate clamps
Lifting magnets
Vacuum lifting devices
Lifting beams and spreaders
Inspection and tagging systems
Equipment registers
Quarantine and disposal processes
Traceability and certification
Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Effective lifting governance requires more than completing scheduled services.
We assess whether inspection and maintenance systems provide suitable control over asset condition, defects and lifecycle risks.
The review may cover:
Preventive maintenance schedules
Routine inspection programs
Periodic and annual inspections
Major inspection requirements
Crane design working period
Maintenance history
Defect prioritisation
Corrective-action close-out
Breakdown management
Asset replacement planning
Record retention and traceability
Training and Competency
We assess how organisations verify that personnel involved in lifting activities are appropriately trained, licensed and competent.
This may include:
Crane operators
Forklift operators performing suspended-load activities
Doggers
Riggers
Maintenance personnel
Supervisors
Managers
Contractors
Records reviewed may include:
High Risk Work Licences
Verification of Competency records
Training matrices
Site authorisations
Refresher training
Contractor competency records
Supervisor responsibilities
Critical Lifting Activities
Where practical, Safe Lifting Australia can observe selected lifting activities to assess how documented controls are implemented in the workplace.
Activities may include:
Heavy manufacturing lifts
Machinery handling
Transformer tank handling
Core and coil lifts
Loading and unloading operations
Maintenance lifting
Tandem lifts
Restricted-access lifts
High-risk or non-routine lifting activities
The assessment may consider:
Lift planning
Load weight and centre of gravity
Rigging selection
Equipment capacity
Load path
Exclusion zones
Communication
Supervision
Environmental conditions
Emergency controls
Compliance with internal procedures
Our Review Methodology
1. Desktop Review
We review available governance and asset information before attending site.
Documentation may include:
Policies and procedures
Asset registers
Maintenance schedules
Inspection reports
Major inspection records
Defect registers
Competency records
Lift plans
Risk assessments
Incident reports
Previous audit findings
2. Onsite Assessment
Our specialists attend site to assess practical implementation across operations.
This may include:
Management interviews
Supervisor and operator consultation
Representative asset inspections
Review of lifting-equipment controls
Observation of lifting activities
Verification of records and site practices
3. Compliance and Risk Assessment
Findings are reviewed against applicable requirements, which may include:
Work Health and Safety legislation
AS 1418 series
AS 2550 series
AS 3775
AS 4497
AS 4991
Applicable Codes of Practice
Manufacturer requirements
Recognised industry practice
4. Reporting and Improvement Roadmap
We provide practical findings and recommendations prioritised according to risk, compliance importance and operational impact.
Typical Deliverables
A lifting governance review can include:
Executive Summary
Detailed compliance assessment
Gap analysis
Risk register
Priority-action register
Asset compliance findings
Inspection and maintenance findings
Training and competency findings
Governance maturity assessment
Recommendations for immediate and long-term improvement
12–24 month improvement roadmap
Management presentation
Ongoing Governance Support
Strengthening lifting governance is generally an ongoing process rather than a one-off audit.
Safe Lifting Australia can provide continued support following the initial review, including:
Technical advice
Assistance interpreting Australian Standards
Review of proposed corrective actions
Procedure and documentation review
Asset-register development
Maintenance-program improvement
Six-month implementation reviews
Annual governance reviews
Training and competency support
Engineering and major-inspection coordination
Led by Experienced Lifting Specialists
Our governance reviews combine management-system assessment with practical lifting knowledge.
Projects may be supported by:
Crane and lifting compliance specialists
Qualified crane inspectors
SafeWork-accredited High Risk Work assessors
Open crane licence holders
Experienced riggers
In-house engineering support
Major-inspection specialists
Asset-management and maintenance specialists
This ensures recommendations are not only technically sound but realistic within an operational workplace.
Industries We Support
Safe Lifting Australia provides lifting governance and compliance support across:
Manufacturing
Mining and mineral processing
Defence
Utilities
Ports
Oil and gas
Construction
Transport and logistics
Government facilities
Heavy industry
Why Safe Lifting Australia?
Independent Australian lifting specialist
ISO 9001:2015 certified
Practical operational experience
Strong knowledge of AS 1418 and AS 2550
Crane, hoist and rigging capability
Major-inspection expertise
Engineering coordination
Asset-management experience
National service capability
Practical, prioritised recommendations
Ongoing support following the review
Build a Stronger Lifting Governance Framework
Whether your organisation operates several workshop cranes or a large national fleet, Safe Lifting Australia can provide an independent assessment of your lifting risks, systems and compliance obligations.
Our aim is to provide management with confidence that lifting assets and activities are being governed safely, consistently and effectively.
Speak with our lifting governance team
Phone: 1300 141 909
Email: service@safelifting.com.au
Where We Operate
Safe Lifting Australia regularly provides crane inspections, servicing, and major inspections throughout regional WA and Tasmania including Karratha, Port Hedland, Pilbara, Geraldton, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Henderson and Hobart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lifting governance audit?
A lifting governance audit is an independent review of an organisation's lifting systems, including cranes, hoists, rigging equipment, maintenance programs, inspection records, competency management and operational lifting practices. Unlike a routine crane inspection, it evaluates the overall framework used to manage lifting safety and compliance.
Is a lifting governance audit the same as a crane inspection?
No.
A crane inspection assesses the condition and compliance of an individual crane.
A lifting governance audit reviews the management systems supporting all lifting activities across an organisation, including assets, procedures, maintenance, training and operational controls.
Who should undertake a lifting governance review?
Lifting governance reviews are beneficial for organisations operating multiple lifting assets, including:
Manufacturing facilities
Mining operations
Ports
Utilities
Defence
Construction
Heavy industry
Government facilities
They are particularly valuable where organisations wish to independently assess compliance, reduce risk or improve management systems.
What standards are considered during the review?
Reviews are tailored to each organisation and may consider relevant legislation, Australian Standards and recognised industry guidance, including:
AS 1418 Series
AS 2550 Series
AS 3775
AS 4497
AS 4991
Work Health and Safety legislation
Applicable Codes of Practice
What lifting equipment can be included?
A review may include:
Overhead cranes
Gantry cranes
Portal cranes
Jib cranes
Monorails
Electric hoists
Manual hoists
Mobile cranes (where applicable)
Forklift lifting attachments
Lifting beams
Spreader beams
Chain slings
Wire rope slings
Synthetic slings
Shackles
Hooks
Eyebolts
Other lifting accessories
How long does a lifting governance review take?
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the organisation.
A typical review includes:
Desktop review of documentation
Onsite assessment
Compliance review
Detailed reporting
Management presentation
Larger organisations operating multiple facilities may require additional time.
What deliverables will we receive?
Typical deliverables include:
Executive Summary
Detailed Compliance Assessment
Gap Analysis
Risk Register
Asset Compliance Findings
Competency Findings
Recommendations
12–24 Month Improvement Roadmap
Management Presentation
Do you only inspect cranes?
No.
Our reviews consider the broader lifting environment, including lifting equipment, maintenance systems, governance processes, competency management and operational lifting activities.
Can you help implement the recommendations?
Yes.
Following the review, Safe Lifting Australia can assist with:
Corrective action implementation
Procedure development
Asset register improvements
Inspection systems
Maintenance planning
Major inspections
Training and competency support
Engineering coordination
Periodic governance reviews
Do you travel throughout Australia?
Yes.
Safe Lifting Australia provides lifting governance reviews and compliance services across Australia for manufacturing, mining, defence, utilities, ports, government and heavy industry.
☎ 1300 141 109
☎ +61 1300 141 109 (International)
✉ service@safelifting.com.au
Inspection, maintenance, engineering, training and lifting solutions across Australia.
Explore Our Services
ABN: 85 674 428 098
GLOBAL OPERATIONS
Safe Lifting Australia Pty Ltd
Crane Inspection, Certification & Engineering Support
Across Australia and the Asia-Pacific Region - Over 100 Years Combined Crane & Lifting Industry Experience
☎ 1300 141 109
☎ +61 1300 141 109 (International)
✉ service@safelifting.com.au
Head Office Perth, Western Australia
Directors
Matt Weight - 0473 874 474
Dan Curchin - 0439 094 755
TRUSTED TO PERFORM IN HEAVY INDUSTRY
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All Rights Reserved
ISO 9001:2015 Certified | LEEA Member | Offshore & Overhead Crane Specialists
Projects completed across mining, offshore, defence and industrial sectors.
