Heavy equipment operators are paving the way for construction projects. As a result, the demand for their skills is twice as high as for other types of work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for heavy machinery operators will grow by 10% between 2018 and 2028, which is twice the average rate compared to other jobs.
What Does Heavy Equipment Operators Do?
Many machines are needed to prepare structures, including felling trees, moving dirt and materials, and digging holes.
Operating Engineers use excavators with buckets, scoops, and shovels to move dirt and materials such as concrete pipes. It may be easy, but you need to know more than you think. Make sure the bucket is attached correctly and secured to the crane. Determining the maximum lifting weight of a crane is critical.
Paving and Surface Operators operate equipment that spreads concrete and asphalt on roads and car parks.
Pile Driver Operators use machines with large hammers to install large concrete, wooden, or metal piles (beams) into the deep ground to support structures such as bridges and foundations.
Other Job Requirements
Heavy equipment operators must clean and maintain the equipment. They are always expected to handle basic equipment repairs. Operators must adhere to safety standards. A critical aspect of safety is the effective communication of ground personnel using manual or audible signals.
Operators are responsible for documenting and reporting equipment issues to the project manager. The same equipment from different manufacturers is the same, but not the same design. Therefore, heavy equipment operators should consult the manufacturer’s manual for the specific machine you are using to find out how you can handle important tasks such as emergency shutdown. In addition, the manuals provide instructions for essential tasks, such as determining the maximum lifting weight of the machine in various situations.
The technology has become more integrated into heavy equipment. For example, the operator can monitor the weight of the cargo in real-time from an onboard system such as the Cat Payload. Likewise, a worker checked the load on a computer screen in a cab. Another skill that a heavy technician must master today is the use of hardware and software.
Work Environment
That’s not an excellent job at the table. You have to love the outdoors and be willing to work in any weather. Even if excessive rain or snow stops the construction project, it should not be suitable for the company to lose volunteers due to delays. To become a heavy machine operator, you need to get warm – and relaxed. Although most heavy machinery operators set a typical 40-hour week, the hours may be non-standard. It would help if you also prepare to work day and night, even on Sundays. Some employers may need over time. A pleasant advantage, however, is the extra salary.
Risks
Did we mention it’s not an excellent job in the office? Building areas are dangerous areas. As a heavy equipment operator, you hold people’s lives on earth in your hands. Knowing and understanding safety procedures is as important as knowing which handle to pull. Check your machine and surroundings before turning the key. If something goes wrong, a brave operator confronts the project manager and refuses to operate the machine.
Source: EquipmentAndContracting