crane operator

The specific tasks of crane operators vary depending on the industry. However, some typical duties include:

• testing the operational capabilities of the crane: As a crane operator, you ensure the cranes are in good working condition before a lift. It is essential to test the operation of the machinery before use to ascertain the safety of the workers or items you ferry on the crane.
• preparing the site and loads for a lift: As a crane operator, you coordinate the work site preparation for a crane. This includes marking reference points on the floors and working with construction riggers to position the hooks or lift the loads to the crane for transport. You also inspect the loads to be lifted and document any defects. You decide if the load poses a danger to workers and act accordingly. It is also important to ensure proper load alignment to improve the safety of the loading and unloading crew.
• operating the controls for cranes: Working as a crane operator, you control the movements of the cranes. The job involves rotating or moving cranes on fixed rails and raising or lowering the jibs and booms. You also control the movement of the load and determine the acceleration speed and braking time. Since you operate the controls, you regularly check the gauges and instruments for malfunctions and other problems that pose a risk to workers or equipment.
• maintaining crane equipment: A crane operator is responsible for lubricating the moving parts of a crane and the ropes. You also replace worn cables and clean the equipment after use.
• measuring load weights: As a crane operator, you assist in checking the weights of the materials and products during loading and unloading. These checks ensure the products have proper weight.

As a crane operator, your work settings are typically mines, construction sites, and manufacturing units. Sometimes you work outdoors in harsh weather conditions and uncomfortable work environments. Since you may work during summer or winter, it is important to dress for the weather and the job. This means you should wear hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and other protective clothing. You are also likely to be exposed to loud noises, fumes, and dust. Therefore, it is best if you have facemasks and earmuffs. You should also note that you may work in confined spaces like mines and quarries occasionally.

Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues could include riggers, trade assistants, and construction workers. You might also be working close to warehouse operators, warehouse workers, and warehouse managers, as well as other specialists that could consist of, but not limited to, forklift drivers, machine operators, site supervisors, and site managers.

Crane operators work full-time schedules to meet the demands of their work. You likely work 50 hours a week, but some companies have 24/7 shift schedules for construction or mining projects. The shifts last 12 hours a day, and you may clock in a few overtime hours daily to complete the day's tasks and prepare reports. While part-time positions are rare, some companies with small-scale projects hire part-time crane operators. You could also work on short-term contracts or on a project basis.

Crane operators can improve their skills and experience and become senior crane operators. Alternatively, you could also become a consultant in the construction and mining industries. Some crane operators focus on maintaining and repairing crane equipment and cranes, and they could become maintenance technicians or engineers over time. As a crane operator, you diversify your role and operate different material-moving machines, like becoming a dredge operator. Alternatively, you could learn how to operate different construction equipment like paving equipment for laying concrete or other heavy equipment operations.

Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:

• being paid weekly
• flexibility
• always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• many training opportunities
• a range of jobs in your area

Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a crane operator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

One of the key safety responsibilities of a crane operator is to ensure you are always in your personal safety equipment every time you are operating a crane. You should also observe all the rules and follow guidelines to prevent crane hazards due to a crane’s fault.

To operate a crane, you have to sit inside what is referred to as a cab. Once here, you would find controls for maneuvering the crane.

Getting up and down a crane may seem challenging. Fortunately, this is never the case; thanks to a ladder inside the tower. The ladder can be hundreds of feet high, and you are supposed to climb it to get up.

Certification improves crane operation safety. That is why it is highly recommended by states across the country. Research shows that a certification program can help reduce injuries and fatalities related to crane operations.

NCCCO exams are written and are normally held on demand when requested by employer organization testing companies, unions, and employers, among others. These exams are held at sites across the country.

Applying for a crane operator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our data engineer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!