Heavy equipment operator


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A heavy equipment operator operates heavy equipment used in engineering and construction projects.[1][2] Typically only skilled workers may operate heavy equipment, and there is specialized training for learning to use heavy equipment.

Heavy equipment operator

A mini excavator uncovers the remains of a wooden ship

Occupation

Occupation type

Vocation

Activity sectors

Construction
Description

Fields of
employment

construction

Related jobs

excavator operator, Driver
A wheeled front loader at work. This wheeled tractor is equipped with a large bucket, which can be raised or lowered by hydraulic arms.

Various organizations set standards for training for heavy equipment operators. Such organizations typically offer what in the US is called "effective safety training". Specific organizations include the following:

Much publication about heavy equipment operators focuses on improving safety for such workers. The occupational medicine field researches and makes recommendations about safety for these and other workers in safety-sensitive positions. Hand signals are also important for machinery operators as it facilitates visual aid for safe work in spite of factors such as noise and a crowded environment.[3]

Notable heavy equipment operators

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These subdivisions, in this order, are the standard heavy equipment categorization.

Tractor

Grader

Excavator

Backhoe

Timber

Pipelayer

Scraper

Mining

Articulated

Compactor

Loader

  • Loader (payloader, front loader, wheel loader, integrated tool carrier)
  • Skip loader (skippy)

Track loader

Skid-steer loader

Material handler

Paving

Underground

Hydromatic tool

Hydraulic machinery

Highway

  1. ^ "Construction Equipment Operators : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics". www.bls.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-28.
  2. ^ V. J. Davies, Ken Tomasin (1996). Construction Safety Handbook. Thomas Telford. ISBN 0-7277-2519-X.
  3. ^ "Crane Hand Signals: Vital for Construction Safety". Al Marwan Heavy Machinery. Retrieved 2024-05-27.