High-Low Lifts

Reminder: High-low lifts are not permitted in the ACT

12 July 2024

WorkSafe ACT recently witnessed an instance of a high low lift being used on a construction site in the ACT.

Also known as Christmas tree lifts or multiple vertical lifts, a high-low lift is where multiple loads are slung by a crane in a vertical configuration.

WorkSafe ACT want to make it clear: if one load is higher than the other, we will take regulatory action.

Risk Management

The use of high-low lifts poses a risk of serious injury to the dogman working under a suspended load whilst attaching or landing the next load.

While it’s recognised that high-low lifts reduce the number of lifts undertaken during construction work, the amount of time saved by using high-low lifts is likely to be marginal. It is the opinion of WorkSafe ACT that it is always reasonably practicable to not use high-low lifts. Therefore, the practice is prohibited in the ACT.

WorkSafe ACT inspectors will be checking to ensure that worksites conducting lifts by crane are meeting all their WHS duties.

Additional resources

For more information on high-low lifts visit:

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