Heavy equipment operator

Heavy equipment operator

A mini excavator uncovers the remains of a wooden ship
Occupation
Occupation type	Vocation
Activity sectors	Construction
Description
Related jobs	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.

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.

Much publication about heavy equipment operators focuses on improving safety for such workers. The field of occupational medicine researches and makes recommendations about safety for these and other workers in safety-sensitive positions.

Operator training

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:

• United States
  • International Union of Operating Engineers
  • Association of Equipment Manufacturers
  • National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools
• Canada
  • International Union of Operating Engineers
  • Interior Heavy Equipment School
• Australia
  • WorkCover

See also

• Hydraulic machinery
• Benjamin Holt
• Construction worker
• International Union of Operating Engineers

References

1. U.S. Department of Labor - Occupational Outlook Handbook
2. V. J. Davies, Ken Tomasin (1996). Construction Safety Handbook. Thomas Telford. ISBN 0-7277-2519-X.