Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operator – Mobile Crane

Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials, and other large objects. Mobile crane operators service and operate booms that are mounted on crawlers or wheeled frames as well as travelling, fixed, or climbing type hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and a jib.

Operators manipulate a number of pedals and levers to rotate the crane, and raise and lower its boom and one or more load lines. Some or all of these operations may be performed simultaneously.

Certification is required when operating mobile cranes with a lifting capacity of fifteen tons (13.6 tonnes) and over. Mobile crane operators also may drive the crane to the job site, rig the machine up (pin the boom and pendant cables and pull the hoist cable in preparation for operation), and set up the machine for the lift (i.e., make it level and stable) using blocking and levelling materials.

Working Conditions:

Crane and hoisting equipment operators work on construction sites. Working conditions are often cramped, dirty, and involve exposure to chemical vapours, wetness, or high noise levels. The normal workweek is 40 hours, but some overtime may be required.

Occupational hazards include injuries resulting from power line contact, crane overload, falls, weather conditions, or manual lifting.