Hoist and Winch Operators
What is a Hoist and Winch Operator?
Hoist and Winch Operators are skilled tradespeople responsible for operating and overseeing hoisting and lifting equipment used in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipping. Their primary role involves managing and executing the lifting, lowering, and movement of heavy materials and equipment using winches, hoists, and cranes. These operators must be knowledgeable about the mechanics of these machines, as well as safety protocols to ensure that loads are handled safely and efficiently. They often work in environments that require precision and timeliness, where they must coordinate with other team members to ensure operations run smoothly. Hoist and Winch Operators contribute significantly to tasks such as loading and unloading materials, transporting large components, and setting up materials for further processing or assembly. Their expertise is essential in preventing accidents, minimizing downtime, and maintaining productivity in various operational settings.
Tasks
- Move levers, pedals, and throttles to stop, start, and regulate speeds of hoist or winch drums in response to hand, bell, buzzer, telephone, loud-speaker, or whistle signals, or by observing dial indicators or cable marks.
- Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
- Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
- Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.
- Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Hoists
- Grapples
- Grease guns
- Slings
- Belt conveyors
Knowledge
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skills
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Depth Perception
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
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Reaction Time
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
- Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition.
- Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
- Position material handling equipment.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$33760.0 - $111470.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.