Question 1

What does a dogman do in Australia?

Accepted Answer

A dogman directs crane operations and is responsible for slinging and unslinging loads on construction sites. Dogmen use hand signals and radio communication to guide crane operators, select appropriate lifting gear, inspect loads and equipment, and ensure safety exclusion zones are maintained. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), dogmen are classified based on their duties and level of responsibility.

Question 2

What award covers dogmen in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Dogmen are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working in on-site building and construction. Always verify which award applies to your specific construction business.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a dogman?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, dogmen typically fall under the crane and hoist operations classifications. Classification levels depend on the complexity of lifts, level of responsibility, and experience. See our Building and Construction Award rates guide for current classifications.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a dogman job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive rates based on experience.' Check the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 for current rates.

Question 5

What licence do dogmen need in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Dogmen must hold a valid Dogman High Risk Work Licence (DG) issued by the relevant state or territory workplace health and safety regulator. This licence requires completion of approved training and assessment in directing crane operations and slinging loads. Additionally, all construction workers must hold a White Card (Construction Induction Card) to work on construction sites.

Question 6

How long does it take to get a dogman licence?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining a Dogman High Risk Work Licence typically takes 5-7 days. The training course runs for approximately 5 days and includes both theoretical and practical assessments. After successfully completing the course, the licence is processed by the state regulator, which may take 1-2 weeks. A White Card can be obtained in 1 day through approved training providers.

Question 7

Do dogmen need First Aid certification?

Accepted Answer

While not always mandatory for the dogman role specifically, First Aid certification is highly valued on construction sites. Many construction companies require or prefer workers who hold current First Aid and CPR certificates as they may be first responders to workplace incidents.

Question 8

What other certifications are useful for dogmen?

Accepted Answer

Additional certifications that enhance employability include: rigging licences (Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Rigging), forklift licence, elevated work platform licence, scaffolding tickets, and other high risk work licences. Experience with specific crane types or specialized lifting equipment is also valued.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent dogmen?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your project timeline and staffing needs. Permanent staff provide consistency for long-term projects, while casuals offer flexibility for short-term contracts and variable workload. Many construction companies use a mix of both. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to dogmen?

Accepted Answer

Penalty rates under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and overtime. Construction work often involves early starts, long days, and weekend work, so penalty rates are common. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for dogmen?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, minimum engagement periods apply — typically 4 hours for casual employees. However, actual shift lengths vary depending on project requirements, with many construction shifts being 8-10 hours. Check the award for specific requirements.

Question 12

What should I include in a dogman employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, project locations and sites, shift patterns and hours, PPE requirements, licence verification, and site-specific safety requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to dogmen?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, reasonable notice of roster changes should be provided. For project-based work, rosters typically align with project schedules and site requirements. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts.

Question 14

Can I require dogmen to work at different sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes, multi-site construction work is common in the industry. Ensure you clearly communicate site mobility expectations in the job description and consider travel time and distance between locations. Some dogmen may be assigned to specific long-term projects, while others work across multiple sites as required.

Question 15

What breaks are dogmen entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, employees are entitled to rest breaks and meal breaks based on shift length. Specific break entitlements vary by classification and shift duration. Use break planning tools to manage breaks effectively and support compliance with site safety requirements.

Question 16

How do I schedule dogmen efficiently?

Accepted Answer

Schedule dogmen based on project crane requirements, lift schedules, and site activities. Match experienced dogmen with complex or high-risk lifts, and ensure adequate numbers for concurrent crane operations. Consider weather conditions that may affect crane operations. Use rostering software to improve schedules and ensure coverage.

Dogman job description