what is a hoist operator?
A hoist operator controls hoisting equipment like clamps, elevating platforms and forklifts to move products or people. As a hoist operator, you assist with transporting materials to a worksite or warehouse. You load and unload trucks depending on the hoist you use for the job.
Hoist operators also control movement platforms that carry people around a worksite. For instance, you control the platform that transports workers to vast heights or depths at a construction or mining site. Operating hoists requires great skill to ensure you manoeuvre the load to the right spot. After moving each load, you need to update the log and record the items or workers you moved at a particular time. You also carry out maintenance and repair tasks on hoist equipment.
As a hoist operator, you are likely to work on large scale construction projects like building high rises and major infrastructure projects. You can also find work in quarries, mining sites and manufacturing companies with large warehouses.
Apart from mechanical aptitude, you need physical stamina to work in industrial settings for long hours. Your job also requires concentration when manoeuvring the hoists.
Would working in construction as a hoist operator suit your interest in operating machinery? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a hoist operator role.
hoist operator salary
According to ONS, the median salary of a hoist operator is £27,300 per year or £14 hourly. New hoist operators earn an average pay of £25,204 per year, while experienced hoist operators earn over £31,200 annually.
When you are a hoist operator, you can improve your salary prospects by working overtime for higher hourly rates. Some working conditions also increase your salary due to the risks involved.
Apart from wages, a hoist operator enjoys various benefits like medical and life insurance covers. Some companies provide various allowances like housing and transport to facilitate your job. You also enjoy paid holidays, among other benefits.
how to increase your salary as a hoist operator
As a hoist operator, your salary fluctuates depending on your skills and expertise. That's why your entry-level wages are lower than the compensation package of an experienced worker. Your skills determine the complexity of the jobs you will handle. For instance, a new hoist operator may only be allowed to lift goods in warehouses to a moderate height. In contrast, experienced operators can hoist people to greater heights, as they have the advanced skills to manoeuvre the hoist safely. Some industries also pay hoist operators better than others. For instance, you are likely to earn more working on construction sites than in warehouses.
types of hoist operators
Some of the specialisation options for hoist operators include:
- dredge operator: you operate equipment or machines that remove rocks and sediments in waterways. Your job is to control the material-moving machines and deepen the waterways to allow the passage of ships and boats.
- winch operator: you move items to elevated positions using winch drums. You control the movements of the hoists, railcars and winches and reposition them for loading and unloading.
- crane operator: your job is to lift or move material around a construction site using cranes. You monitor crane stability and work with a banksman to ensure the safe movement of products on a worksite.
working as a hoist operator
As a hoist operator, you move people and equipment to elevated worksites using hoists or cranes. Sometimes you also move materials or heavy objects into trucks or storage areas. Read on to discover more duties and work settings of hoist operators.
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hoist operator job description
Specific tasks of hoist operators vary depending on the industry. However, some of the specific duties include:
- testing the operational capabilities of the hoist: as a hoist operator, you have to ensure the hoists or cranes are in good working condition before a lift. You need to test the operation of the machinery before use to ascertain the safety of the workers or items you will ferry on the hoist.
- preparing the site and loads for a lift: as a hoist operator, you coordinate the preparation of the work site for a hoist. That includes marking reference points on the floors and working with construction riggers to position the hooks or lift the loads to the hoist for transport. You also inspect the loads to be lifted and document the defects. You decide if the load poses a danger to workers and act accordingly. You also ensure proper load alignment to ensure the safety of the loading and unloading crew.
- operating the controls for hoists: as a hoist operator, you control the movements of the hoists or cranes. You rotate or move cranes on fixed rails and raise or lower the jibs and booms. You also control the movement of the loads, and you determine the acceleration speed and braking time. Since you operate the controls, you need to check the gauges and instruments for malfunctions and other problems that pose a risk to workers or equipment.
- maintaining hoist equipment: a hoist operator is responsible for lubricating the moving parts of a hoist and the ropes or winches. You also replace worn cables and clean the equipment after use.
- measuring load weights: as a hoist operator, you can assist in checking the weights of the materials and products during loading and unloading. These checks ensure the products have proper weight.
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work environment
As a hoist operator, your work settings are typically mines, construction sites and manufacturing units. Sometimes you work outdoors in harsh weather conditions and uncomfortable work environments. Since you may work during summer or winter, you need to dress for the weather and the job. That means you wear hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and other protective clothing. You are also exposed to loud noise, fumes and dust. Hence, you need facemasks and earmuffs. Some hoist operators work in confined spaces like mines and quarries.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether you work in the construction or mining industry, your colleagues may include crane operators, forklift drivers and heavy equipment operators. You may also be working in close proximity to construction equipment operators and paving equipment operators, as well as other specialists that could include material handlers, warehouse workers and material recording clerks.
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work schedule
Hoist operators work full-time schedules to meet the demands of their work. You are likely to work 50 hours a week, but some companies have 24/7 shift schedules for construction or mining projects. The shifts last up to 12 hours a day, and you may clock in a few overtime hours daily to complete the day's tasks and prepare reports. While part-time positions are rare, some companies with small-scale projects hire part-time hoist operators. You can also work on short-term contracts or on a project basis. Hoist operators cannot do remote work since they have to be present to operate the machines.
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job outlook
Hoist operators can improve their skills and experience and become senior hoist operators. Alternatively, become a consultant in the construction and mining industries. Some hoist operators focus on the maintenance and repair of hoist equipment and cranes and become maintenance technicians or engineers. Rather than working as a hoist operator, you can also specialise in using different material-moving machines, like becoming a dredge operator. Alternatively, learn how to operate different construction equipment like paving equipment for laying concrete or other heavy equipment operations.
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advantages of finding a hoist operator job through randstad
Finding your hoist operator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a hoist operator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
While hoist operators don't need any formal qualifications, you need some post-secondary skills to succeed in the role. Employers are interested in people with enthusiasm and willingness to learn since most of the training is on the job. If you decide to pursue post-secondary training for the role, attend a specialist college to become a crane operator or hoist operator. Qualifications such as a Level 2 Certification in plant operations boost your career prospects.
You can also start as an apprentice with a construction company. For instance, a lifting technician intermediate apprenticeship allows you to become a crane or hoist operator after years of training on the job and attending coursework with a training provider.
skills and competencies
Key skills of a hoist operator include:
- alertness: as a hoist operator, you need undivided focus and attention when operating the hoisting equipment. You have to focus on your surroundings to ensure you don't navigate the hoists in the wrong direction or hit objects that could cause accidents.
- hand-eye-foot coordination: as a hoist operator, you should have steady hands and feet to guide the heavy machinery precisely. Manual dexterity ensures that you can use your hands and feet to control and manoeuvre the equipment in tight spaces or uneven surfaces.
- mechanical skills: as a hoist operator, you conduct tests and maintenance functions on hoists and other moving equipment. Having mechanical aptitude helps you perform basic repairs easily and ensure the equipment is in good working order.
- visual ability: as a hoist operator, you need good vision to see where you are moving the materials or workers. It is important to watch out for construction projects or workers nearby to avoid accidents.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a hoist operator
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what is a hoist operator?
A hoist operator controls and navigates machinery used to elevate equipment and materials in construction buildings to the required height. They also help workers move in and out of deep mining areas.
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what does a hoist engineer do?
As a hoist engineer, you organise the hoisting equipment and ensure it functions properly. You also participate in the repair and maintenance of the hoists.
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what is a buck hoist?
A buck hoist is a temporary elevator on a construction site used to move materials up and down during construction.
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what skills does a hoist operator need?
You need mechanical aptitude when operating machines and alertness to avoid accidents.
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how do I apply for a hoist operator vacancy?
Applying for a hoist operator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
