Each day, a crane operator job requires the operator to make a long climb into a small, confined cab. High above the construction site, a crane operator can see the entire lay of the land. Safety is critical. A crane operator lifts heavy objects into the air and moves them into the right place, without dropping them on people or other construction materials. A large skyscraper attempts to finish one floor of construction per week and a crane operator is critical to the mission timeline. Weather is an important factor in this job. If high winds prevail, a crane is unable to operate, due to safety concerns. A crane operator works with a partner, called a rigger, who is stationed on the ground. Constant communication between the crane operator and the rigger is critical, to ensure that the work is safely coordinated. One false move by the crane operator, rigger, or any of the construction workers, could be the difference between life and death, of people on the ground.
Most of the training required for crane operator jobs is learned on the job. Some states require certification to operate a crane. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCC)) certifies crane operators. Eligibility requires individuals to be 18 years of age, physically fit, and pass a written and practical examination. Certification must be renewed periodically and some states require operators to complete a training program.
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