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Vehicle Lifting SWMS

Vehicle lifting is performed dozens of times daily in auto body workshops, and complacency with this routine activity is the primary cause of crush fatalities in the automotive repair industry. Hoist failures, incorrect lift point selection, inadequate secondary support, and uncontrolled vehicle movement on tilted ramps all create life-threatening crush scenarios. The WHS Regulation 2025 requires PCBUs to manage risks of plant including hoists, jacks, and support stands through systematic inspection, maintenance, and operator competency verification. This template covers all vehicle lifting operations with controls mapped to the binding Managing Risks of Plant code effective 1 July 2026.

Legal Requirements

regulation

WHS Regulation 2025 Part 5.1 — Plant; AS 1418 Cranes and Hoists; AS 2550 Mobile Equipment

hrcw category

Work involving powered mobile plant

code of practice

Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace (binding 1 July 2026 under Section 26A)

section 26a binding

Yes — Plant code binding July 2026. Non-compliance is a standalone offence.

Hazards

HazardConsequenceLikelihood
Vehicle crush from hoist failure or hydraulic line burstFatality, crush injuries, spinal cord injuryUnlikely
Vehicle falling from jack stands due to incorrect placementFatality, crush injuriesPossible
Uncontrolled vehicle movement on tilted ramp hoistCrush, vehicle running over workerPossible
Component falling from raised vehicle during repairHead injuries, crush injuries to hands and feetPossible
Ergonomic strain from working overhead on raised vehiclesShoulder and neck musculoskeletal injuriesLikely

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Conduct daily pre-use inspection of hoists including hydraulic lines, locking mechanisms, and lift pads
Position lift pads on manufacturer-specified lift points only — refer to vehicle service manual
Use mechanical locking device on all hydraulic hoists before any person works under a raised vehicle
Place rated jack stands as secondary support whenever floor jacks are used
Chock wheels on ramp-style hoists and apply vehicle handbrake before raising
Schedule six-monthly hoist servicing by qualified technician with documented records
Display maximum safe working load on each hoist and verify vehicle weight before lifting

Recent Prosecutions

WorkSafe Victoria v Automotive Repairer$250,000

Worker crushed when vehicle fell from hoist that had not been serviced in three years. Hydraulic seal failure caused uncontrolled descent. No mechanical locking device was engaged.

2024 — WorkSafe Victoria Prosecution Database

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Daily pre-use hoist inspection checklist covering hydraulics, locks, and lift pads
✓Lift point identification procedure referencing vehicle manufacturer specifications
✓Mechanical locking engagement procedure before any person works under raised vehicle
✓Six-monthly hoist service schedule with qualified technician records
✓Maximum SWL verification procedure before lifting each vehicle

Need a compliant Vehicle Lifting SWMS?

Our WHS consultants develop vehicle lifting SWMS with hoist inspection protocols and crush prevention controls for your workshop.

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