Author: Kris Koonar

Crane operators are hired professionals, who control the cranes to
lift, shift and place materials at construction sites.
Nature of work:
Crane operators usually work at the following:
– Heavy industrial sites. – Institutional and
commercial sites. – Construction sites building homes,
renovating existing homes. – Civil engineering sites.
The companies requiring heavy material usage hire crane operators.
Some such companies are construction companies, railways, crane
rental companies and mining and shipbuilding companies.
Crane operators are responsible for the following tasks: –
Lifting, moving and placing materials and tools, using cranes.
– Analyzing crane capacity. – Assembling tower cranes
when required on site. – Maintaining the cranes. –
Examining the cranes for probable snags. – Cleaning and
lubricating the cranes.
Work conditions:
Crane operators work in unpleasant conditions. There is dust,
noise and pollution all around. The job involves high risk to life
and therefore it becomes inevitable that utmost care is taken when
operating a crane. These professionals are offered special
on-the-site training to execute safety at work. They need to be
aware of the dangers involved and are advised to take the relevant
safety measures to avoid injury.
Generally crane operators are required to work for 40 hours a week
or 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. However, they may be required to
work for a shorter period in winter. Sometimes there is no work
during winter.
Crane operators are required to travel extensively to meet work
requirements. Their lodging and food is taken care of by the parent
company. It is for this reason that these professionals are also
known as Long shore Workers.
Qualifications:
The basic criteria to qualify as a crane operator are good
mathematical and analytical skills, problem solving attitude and
the ability to work with an existent team. These professionals need
to be alert all the time.
The following are the basic qualities and criteria for the job:
a) Crane operators should be physically fit to perform the task on
site.
b) They should have good eyesight.
c) These professionals should possess a practical aptitude for
machinery.
d) They should have a steady hand to balance the gears properly.
e) They must be 18 years of age or above.
f) They are required to produce a valid driving license, in case
they are working for a mobile crane.
g) Although a formal qualification is not the pre-requisite to work
as a crane operator, GCSE grades or the equivalent with English,
mathematics or a technical subject is preferable.
Crane operator certifications can be availed of to meet the
requirements of certain states. Journeyperson certificates are
awarded to candidates who appear for one to three year
apprenticeship programs.
Along with apprenticeship programs there are other short-term
programs that offer training in specialized plant and crane
operations. Crane operators with the relevant experience can rise
to the designation of site inspectors or site managers.
Range of salary:
The hourly salary range for Journeyperson certified crane
operators varies from $ 17 to , depending on the work
experience.

Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/crane-operator-job-prospects-73040.html

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