Career Map: Crane and Tower Operator

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.

Material-moving machine operators typically are trained on the job in less than a month, but the amount of time spent in training varies depending on the type of machine used. Some machines, such as cranes and towers, are complex and may require several months of training. Others, such as industrial trucks and forklifts, may take only a few days to learn how to operate. New workers usually are trained by an experienced employee.

During their training, material-moving machine operators learn safety rules, many of which are standardized through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Employers must certify that each operator has received the proper training. Operators who work with hazardous materials receive additional training.

Communication skills. Material-moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material. They also receive direction from workers on the ground when moving material.
Coordination. Material-moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely. They use hand controls to maneuver their machines through tight spaces, around large objects, and on uneven surfaces.
Mechanical skills. Material-moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them.
Visual ability. Material-moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving. They must also watch for nearby workers, who may unknowingly be in their path.

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Material Moving Machine Operators