Dogger Hire
for Melbourne & Victoria

Sentinel Spotting provides qualified doggers holding WorkSafe High Risk Work Licences (DG) to support construction, civil, commercial and industrial lifting operations.

Whether you're lifting building materials, positioning equipment or coordinating crane movements on a busy construction site, our doggers work alongside crane operators and site crews to help loads move safely and efficiently.

From planned lifting operations to urgent site requirements, Sentinel provides professional dogging services throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Need a licensed dogger on site? Call 0435 697 470 or request a quote online.

WORKSAFE-Licensed

Why Contractors Choose Sentinel Spotting

Sentinel Spotting provides qualified personnel for construction and lifting operations across Melbourne and Victoria, combining dedicated dogging capability with specialist electrical spotting services.

WorkSafe-Licensed Doggers

Crane & Lifting Experience

Safe Load Handling

Our doggers hold the applicable WorkSafe-issued High Risk Work Licence (DG) for dogging activities, including load slinging and crane signalling.

Supporting mobile cranes, spider cranes, vehicle-loading cranes and other lifting operations across commercial and construction environments.

Attention to load characteristics, appropriate lifting gear, attachment methods and clear communication throughout lifting activities.

Dogging + Electrical Spotting

$20 Million Public Liability Insurance

Responsive Melbourne Coverage

Sentinel can support projects requiring both qualified doggers and ESV-registered electrical spotters, with personnel allocated according to the tasks and safety requirements.

Public liability insurance ensures peace of mind for our services in commercial construction, civil and industrial environments.

Scheduled dogging services and urgent enquiries across Melbourne, with regional Victorian works supported by arrangement.

Professional Dogging Services for Melbourne Worksites

Sentinel Spotting provides licensed doggers to assist contractors with lifting and load-handling activities involving cranes, hoists and other suitable lifting plant.

Our personnel work with crane operators and site supervisors to support safe load attachment, movement and positioning.

Dogging is an important part of many lifting operations, particularly where loads must be securely slung, accurately positioned or moved through restricted work areas.

We support construction projects, crane companies, glazing and façade contractors, civil contractors, industrial facilities and other businesses requiring qualified dogging personnel.

Whether you need a dogger for a single lift, a full shift or an ongoing construction project, Sentinel can discuss your requirements and confirm suitable personnel.

Book a Licensed Dogger.

What Does a Licensed Dogger Do?

A dogger performs specific high-risk lifting duties that require relevant training, practical competence and an appropriate High Risk Work Licence.

These duties can include selecting and inspecting lifting gear, determining suitable slinging arrangements, considering load weight and centre of gravity, and directing the crane or hoist operator when a load moves outside the operator's view.

Effective dogging also involves clear communication with the lifting crew and awareness of hazards associated with suspended loads, nearby workers and surrounding structures.

The dogger works within the site's established lifting procedures and safe systems of work, coordinating with the crane operator and other personnel throughout the task.

The role is more than simply attaching a load to a hook. Proper dogging involves judgment, communication and an understanding of the hazards associated with lifting and moving loads.

When Do You Need a Licensed Dogger in Victoria?

Under Victoria's Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, dogging work includes specified slinging activities requiring judgment about the suitability of lifting gear and the method of slinging a load.

It also includes directing a crane or hoist operator in moving a load when that load is outside the operator's view.

These activities generally require the appropriate High Risk Work Licence, subject to the limited exceptions and circumstances explained in WorkSafe Victoria's guidance.

Examples include lifting operations where the load's weight, shape or centre of gravity requires consideration when selecting lifting equipment, and crane movements where the operator cannot directly see the suspended load.

Not every lifting activity automatically requires a dogger. The actual work, lifting method, operator visibility and applicable licence requirements must be considered.

For further information, refer to WorkSafe Victoria's Dogging and Slinging Techniques guidance.

If you're uncertain whether your project requires a licensed dogger, contact Sentinel with the crane type, load details and proposed scope of works.

Dogging Services for Cranes & Lifting Equipment

Different lifting operations create different challenges involving load stability, working space, lifting equipment and communication between workers.

Sentinel supplies dogging personnel for suitable lifting operations, subject to the equipment, site conditions and task requirements.

Mobile Crane Dogging Services

Mobile crane operations commonly require careful coordination between the crane operator and the workers responsible for attaching and directing suspended loads.

Sentinel provides dogging support for mobile crane operations involving construction materials, equipment placement, building installation and other lifting activities.

Our doggers work with the lifting crew to assist with appropriate load slinging, lifting-gear checks and communication during the lift.

Spider Crane & Restricted-Access Lifting

Spider cranes and compact lifting equipment are frequently used on construction sites where space is limited or access is restricted.

Applications can include glazing, façade works, machinery installation and the movement of building materials.

These operations can require particular attention to load movement, lifting arrangements, site obstructions and communication between the dogger and crane operator.

Sentinel supports suitable spider-crane lifting operations throughout Melbourne.

Vehicle-Loading Cranes & Material Handling

Vehicle-loading cranes are commonly used for deliveries and material-handling activities on construction and commercial sites.

Where the lifting operation involves dogging work, appropriately licensed personnel are required.

Sentinel can provide doggers to support suitable vehicle-loading crane operations, including load slinging, load movement and communication with the operator.

Civil, Commercial & Industrial Lifting

We also support dogging requirements associated with civil and industrial projects, including the movement and positioning of machinery, construction materials and other suspended loads.

Where excavators or other suitable plant are used for lifting operations, the need for dogging personnel depends on the work being undertaken and applicable requirements.

Contact Sentinel with details of the lifting equipment and load so we can confirm the appropriate service.

WorkSafe-Licensed Doggers — DG High Risk Work Licence

In Victoria, dogging is a recognised class of high-risk work regulated by WorkSafe Victoria.

The DG High Risk Work Licence covers dogging activities within the scope established by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

Licensed doggers are trained to assess relevant lifting requirements, apply suitable slinging techniques and communicate with crane or hoist operators as required.

Sentinel provides DG-licensed personnel for suitable lifting operations throughout Melbourne and Victoria.

Dogging and rigging are related but distinct categories of high-risk work. Activities requiring separate basic, intermediate or advanced rigging qualifications must be performed by personnel holding the appropriate licence.

Where your project involves more complex lifting or rigging requirements, provide us with the scope of work so the personnel requirements can be clarified before booking.

Electrical Spotting & Dogging for the Same Project

Crane and lifting operations near overhead powerlines can involve two separate safety requirements: managing electrical clearances and performing dogging work.

Sentinel Spotting offers both services.

Our ESV-registered electrical spotters help manage risks associated with operating plant near electrical assets, while our licensed doggers perform the relevant load-slinging and crane-direction duties.

Where both tasks are required simultaneously, suitable personnel must be allocated so each safety-critical role can be performed without compromising the other.

Having access to both services through Sentinel can simplify contractor coordination and help ensure the correct competencies are identified before work commences.

Also need electrical spotting? View our Electrical Spotting Services.

Safe Lifting Starts Before the Load Leaves the Ground

Effective dogging begins with understanding the task, lifting equipment, load and operating environment.

Before lifting activities commence, the site team should establish suitable lifting procedures, identify hazards and confirm the required personnel, equipment and communication arrangements.

Considerations may include load weight, centre of gravity, lifting points, lifting-gear condition, site access, obstructions, exclusion zones and interaction with other workers or mobile plant.

Depending on the project, relevant documentation may include lift plans, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), Job Safety Analyses (JSA) and other site-specific risk assessments.

Sentinel's doggers work within the agreed lifting arrangements and site safety procedures, with their duties confined to the tasks and competencies appropriate to their licence.

Our approach focuses on clear communication, attention to load movement and practical coordination with the crane operator and site team.

Dogger Hire Across Melbourne & Regional Victoria

Sentinel Spotting provides dogging services throughout metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.

Our service area includes Melbourne CBD, northern Melbourne, western Melbourne, eastern Melbourne and the south-eastern suburbs.

We also support projects in regional Victoria, subject to personnel availability and project requirements.

Our customers include commercial builders, civil contractors, crane companies, glazing contractors, installation specialists, plant operators and industrial businesses.

Whether your lifting operation is on a commercial construction site, within an industrial facility or at a restricted-access location, Sentinel can discuss the proposed work and personnel requirements.

For regional projects, contact us with the location and proposed dates so we can confirm availability and any applicable travel arrangements.

How to Book a Licensed Dogger

Booking dogging personnel with Sentinel is straightforward.

Provide us with your site location, required date and start time, expected duration, type of crane or lifting equipment, and a brief description of the load and lifting activity.

Please also advise whether the work involves restricted access, electrical assets, unusual lifting conditions or any additional competency requirements.

This helps us understand the task and confirm suitable personnel before attending site.

We support planned bookings, single-shift requirements, ongoing projects and urgent requests, subject to availability.

Call 0435 697 470

Request a Dogger Hire Quote

Dogger Hire
FAQs

What is a dogger?

A dogger, sometimes called a dogman, is a worker qualified to perform dogging duties such as applying specified slinging techniques and directing crane or hoist operators when loads are outside their view.

In Victoria, this work generally requires the appropriate High Risk Work Licence.

What is the difference between a dogger and a dogman?

In Australian construction terminology, dogger and dogman are commonly used to describe the same role.

The formal licence terminology used by WorkSafe Victoria is Dogging — DG High Risk Work Licence.

Sentinel provides licensed doggers for lifting operations throughout Melbourne and Victoria.

When is a licensed dogger required?

A dogger is generally required when the work meets the legal definition of dogging, including slinging activities that require judgment about lifting gear or slinging methods, or directing a crane or hoist operator when the load is outside the operator's view.

There are specific exceptions and circumstances covered by WorkSafe Victoria's guidance. The requirement should be assessed against the actual lifting task.

What is the difference between a dogger and a rigger?

A dogger performs work within the scope of dogging, including relevant load slinging and directing crane or hoist operators.

A rigger undertakes additional types of high-risk work within the scope of their rigging licence.

In Victoria, rigging licence classes include Basic (RB), Intermediate (RI) and Advanced (RA).

A DG dogging licence does not automatically authorise a person to perform all rigging activities.

Do you provide doggers for spider cranes and mobile cranes?

Yes. Sentinel provides dogging personnel for suitable mobile crane, spider crane and other lifting operations.

Please provide the crane type, load information and scope of works when enquiring.

Can Sentinel provide both a dogger and an electrical spotter?

Yes. Sentinel offers both dogging and electrical spotting services.

Where both duties must be performed at the same time, personnel requirements need to allow each role to be carried out safely and independently as required.

We can discuss the worksite conditions and required personnel when arranging your booking.

Does a dogger need to be ESV registered?

Not merely to perform dogging work.

Dogging is regulated through WorkSafe Victoria's High Risk Work Licence system.

ESV registration applies to the separate electrical Spotter role. A worker undertaking electrical spotting must meet the applicable ESV requirements, even if they also hold a DG licence.

Do you supply the crane as well as the dogger?

Sentinel's dogging service is focused on supplying qualified personnel.

Provide us with details of the crane or lifting equipment being arranged for your project, together with the proposed lifting activity, so we can discuss your personnel requirements.

Can I book a dogger for a single shift or short-notice job?

Yes. Sentinel accepts enquiries for individual shifts, short-duration lifting operations and longer projects.

Urgent bookings are subject to personnel availability. Call 0435 697 470 with your site details and required start time.

How much does dogger hire cost in Melbourne?

Dogger hire costs depend on factors such as the shift duration, project location, working hours, travel requirements and scope of work.

Contact Sentinel with your project details for a quotation tailored to your requirements.

Do you provide dogger hire in regional Victoria?

Yes. Sentinel supports dogging requirements throughout regional Victoria by arrangement.

Provide the site location, proposed dates and expected duration so availability and travel arrangements can be confirmed.

Book a Licensed Dogger in Melbourne

Safe lifting requires the right people, equipment, planning and communication.

Sentinel Spotting provides WorkSafe-licensed doggers for crane, construction, civil and industrial lifting operations across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Whether you need dogging personnel for a single lift, a full day or an ongoing project, contact Sentinel to discuss your requirements.

Call 0435 697 470

Request a Dogger Hire Quote.

Sentinel Spotting — Licensed Doggers & ESV-Registered Electrical Spotters for Melbourne and Victoria

Insured // Assured

$20M

Public Liability Insurance

DG Licensed

by WorkSafe Victoria

24/7

Urgent Dispatch