A Crane Operator has overall responsibility for all lifting operations as directed by the Deck Supervisor during the construction phase of the project. Daily tasks typically include assisting with all lifts to and from the deck, monitoring rigging to ensure it is safe to use and suitable for the scope of work, assist with crane maintenance and checks and report any incidents, near misses or risks.
- Extensive experience working on a similar crane (when known) on a similar vessel
- Experience with crane maintenance and repairs
- Experience using permit to work systems
- Experience with heavy lifting (wind farm experience desirable but not mandatory)
Material-moving machine operators typically do the following:
- Set up and inspect material moving equipment
- Control equipment with levers, wheels, or foot pedals
- Move material according to a plan or schedule
- Signal and direct workers to load and unload materials
- Keep a record of the material they move and where they move it to
- Make minor repairs to their equipment.
In warehouses and factories, most material-moving machine operators use forklifts and conveyor belts. Wireless sensors and tags keep track of merchandise, allowing operators to locate it faster. Some operators also check goods for damage. These operators usually work closely with hand laborers and material movers.
In construction, material-moving machine operators transport objects around building sites. Some work on a building site for the entire length of the construction project. For example, certain material moving machine operators help to construct highrise buildings by transporting materials to workers who are far above ground level. (For information about workers who operate heavy machinery for building, road, and other construction sites, see the profile on construction equipment operators.)
All material-moving machine operators are responsible for safely controlling their equipment or vehicle.
The following are examples of types of material-moving machine operators.
Crane and tower operators use cable and tower equipment to lift and move materials, machinery, or other heavy objects. From a control station, operators extend and retract horizontal booms, rotate the superstructure, and lower and raise hooks attached to cables at the end of their crane or tower. Operators are usually guided by workers on the ground who use hand signals or transmit voice signals through a radio. Crane and tower operators usually work at construction sites or major ports, where they load and unload cargo. Operators also may work in iron and steel mills.
Hoist and winch operators, also called derrick operators, control the movement of platforms, cables, and cages that transport workers or materials in industrial operations, such as constructing a high-rise building. Operators regulate the speed of the equipment on the based on the needs of the workers.