When you need a job done, you call a professional, right? You wouldn’t hire a doctor to fix a broken sink, just as you wouldn’t go to a dentist to mend a broken bone. 

When you are in need of a crane on a job site, who should you call? A crane operator, of course! 

But what does a crane operator do? We’ve got the answer in this article! 

Here at BOSS Crane & Rigging, we don’t just provide high-quality services and top-of-the-line machinery; we are dedicated to education and training to ensure that every person is safe on their job site, no matter what industry or job title. 

Crane Operator Duties

Crane Operators do more than just lift heavy items and move them to a different location. They are in charge of inspecting, maintaining, and controlling the machinery. Their main duty is to uphold a safe work environment and ensure that there are no dangerous obstacles or chances for injury around their work area. 

Other daily duties include:

  • Set up crane according to job specifics
  • Place material around the site according to the project plan
  • Monitor crane stability
  • Drive crane on highway or off-road to get to the job site
  • Load and balance weights
  • Remove dirt and earth to make space for new construction
  • Repair and maintain machinery
  • Report any safety, mechanical, or maintenance issues to the supervisor
  • Clear travel routes for the crew (debris removal) 
  • Perform pre and post-trip inspections

Crane Operator Training

To have a crane operator career takes time and patience to learn such a detailed craft. After receiving a high school diploma or GED, a person can choose to move on to machine operation training at a trade school. Trade school education is not necessary to become a crane operator but teaches you the basic skills and terms that you will use daily on the job. 

To become a crane operator, however, you must pass and receive a Crane Operator Certification (CCO) from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). 

There are several different certifications available for different crane operating jobs, including service truck crane operators, mobile crane operators, and articulating crane operators. In accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), you must hold a certification for all of the different cranes you will be operating. 

The certification is available to those over 18 who have completed in-house or 3rd party training. 

You may also need a special license or permit to operate the heavy machinery according to your city or state. 

Once you have completed the training and certification, you can move on to become a professional crane operator in the areas in which you are certified. 

Crane Operators Are The Heart Of Our Company

Along with the other professionals that work here at BOSS Crane and rigging, our crane operators are highly qualified, experienced, and certified. We run continuing education and training programs to ensure they are upholding our standards of safety, professionalism, and quality on the job site. 

We enjoy serving Texas area companies in industries including wind energy, construction, oil and gas, and mining to help them get the job done right the first time. 

We encourage you to browse our website and review our blog page, which features articles like “Advantages Of A 550-Ton Crane” for more insight and information about what we do. 

Connect with us today to get started on your next project!