Supervision Requirements for Boom-Type EWP Work
What supervision means
Supervision is the oversight of a person's work by someone who is competent and authorised to direct it. It is not the same as simply being on site. For high risk work, the level of supervision must be appropriate to the task, the plant, the site conditions and the experience of the operator.
Direct vs general supervision
- Direct supervision means the supervisor is present at the workplace, observes the work, and is able to intervene immediately. It is typically required for trainees, new operators, unfamiliar plant, complex lifts, or work near energised electrical equipment.
- General supervision means the supervisor is contactable and able to attend, but is not continuously watching. It suits experienced, licensed operators performing routine work.
Who can supervise
The supervisor must hold the same class of high risk work licence (or be otherwise competent and authorised under the relevant jurisdiction's rules) and must understand the plant and the hazards. A person who holds a different class, such as a crane licence, cannot supervise boom-type EWP work merely because they hold some high risk work licence.
Traps in questions
- A trainee operating a boom-type EWP above 11 m must be under direct supervision of a licensed operator.
- A licensed operator working alone is not "supervised" - supervision requires another person.
- A safety officer or site manager without the relevant licence is not automatically a qualified supervisor.
- Supervision does not transfer responsibility: the operator remains responsible for safe operation.
Rule of thumb
Ask two questions: Is the supervisor licensed in the same class? and Can they see and intervene right now? If either answer is no, it is not adequate supervision for high-risk or trainee work.