Any worker who conducts dogging work is known as a dogman or now more commonly referred to as a dogger. Anyone performing dogging work must have a Dogging Worksafe High Risk Work Licence (Class DG)
Defining Dogging in Construction?
Construction work often involves the use of cranes and machinery to move loads around a construction site. When this occurs on a construction site and involves the use of judgement when applying slinging techniques to move a load or directing a crane operator when the load is out of view, a Licensed Dogman is required.
Key responsibilities of dogging operation in construction
Primarily there are 2 pivotal responsibilities of a dogger. The first one is when the movement of a load requires the exercise judgement as to the suitability and condition of lifting equipment and the second responsibility is to direct a crane operator when the load is outside of their view.
The importance of dogging in construction
The role of a Dogger on a construction site is a well sought after employment opportunity. It carries with it the responsibility to provide continuous and safe movement of loads around a construction site. In conjunction with the crane operator and a movement schedule they control the timely movements of pretty much everything on a construction site.
An experienced dogger on a larger construction site could earn in excess of $120K.
Regulations with dogging licences
As defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic.) dogging work occurs when one or both of the following:
(a) the application of slinging techniques, including the selection or inspection of lifting gear, to sling a load;
(b) the directing of a crane or hoist operator in the movement of a load when the load is out of the operator’s view;
These regulations further define slinging techniques as:
“those slinging techniques that require the exercise of judgment in relation to the suitability and condition of lifting gear, and the method of slinging, by consideration of the nature of the load, its mass and its centre of gravity”
What are the key skills & training required to be a dogman?
A Worksafe approved Dogging Licence Course should cover the following subjects:
- How to Identify hazards and implement control measures relating to dogging work
- Learning basic dogging mathematics
- Assessing load characteristics on a wide range of loads
- Making decisions on sling selection and inspection
- Applying the use of slinging methods and techniques to shift a wide range of loads
- Learning how to communicate with the crane operator using verbal, hand and whistle signals
- Teaching how to tie knots, bends and hitches
Obtaining a Dogging Licence
Prerequisites to get your Dogging Licence
To be eligible to enrol into a Worksafe approved Dogging Licence Course, you must:
- Reside in Victoria
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) (usi.gov.au)
Any additional work experience on construction sites or working around machinery would be helpful, but should not prevent you from enrolling.
Length of Dogging Licence course
A dogging licence course runs for 5 days, generally consecutively. Your course must be run by a Worksafe Approved and Accredited trainer and assessor who will be assisted by a crane operator whilst training and/or assessment occurs. At WAM training, unlike other training providers, we ensure that both the trainer and the crane operator will be available for the entire 5 days of your course to provide you with as much assistance and learning as possible.
Licensing and certification for dogging in Australia
The nationally Accredited Unit of Competency to become a Licenced Dogger is CPCCLDG3001 Licence to perform dogging. The Dogging Licence Course can only be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation who has also been authorised and approved by Worksafe to do so.
There are 3 formal closed book assessments:
- Knowledge (Theory Questions)
- Assignment (Maths Questions)
- Performance (Practical)
Once you have successfully completed these 3 assessments you will be issued with a Notice of Assessment which you will need to lodge online via the myWorkSafe.vic.gov.au portal or in person at an authorised Australia Post outlet.
Once processed a new High Risk Work Licence will be posted to your designated home address.
Renewing your Dogging Licence
All High Risk Work Licences are valid for 5 years from the date you receive your first High Risk Work Licence. Every 5 years you will need to renew your licence.
There are 2 ways to renew your licence:
- WorkSafe Victoria (WorkSafe) issues a renewal notice by post 90 days prior to the expiry date shown on your licence. You can take this notice to an approved Australia Post outlet along with identity requirements and pay the applicable fee to renew.
- Log in to your myWorkSafe account and renew your High Risk Work Licence online
Enquire With WAM Training and Enrol in Our Dogging Licence Course
WAM Training is well known as the leaders in Dogging Licence training courses throughout the construction industry.
If you are interested in completing a Dogging Licence Course contact WAM Training who conduct a Dogging Licence Course every week.
Click here to view their Dogging Licence Course web page.
Learn More About WAM Training’s other course offerings?
To view WAM Training’s complete course offerings, click here.