Operating Heavy Equipment Safely

Heavy equipment operators are a critical part of many industries, like construction, but these complicated pieces of equipment pose a serious safety risk if not operated properly. That’s why there are strict heavy equipment operator license requirements, including equipment-specific OSHA safety training.

In this article, we’ll discuss why safety training is an important step to becoming a heavy equipment operator and the options you have when it comes to heavy equipment operator training.

What is a Heavy Equipment Operator?

Heavy equipment operators use machinery for jobs in construction, oil and gas, road maintenance, mining, forestry, and more. There are many types of heavy equipment, each designed for a different purpose, and each requires a unique set of skills from the operator.

The heavy equipment you will use is determined by the industry you work in, as well as the setting and the work that needs to be done. However, some of the most commonly used pieces of heavy equipment are:

• Articulated haulers
• Asphalt pavers and rollers
• Backhoes and backhoe loaders
• Bulldozers
• Cranes
• Dump trucks
• Excavators
• Forklifts
• Scrapers
• Skid steers
• Road graders
• Water trucks
• Wheel loaders

These are only a few examples of the various types of heavy equipment available. New types of machinery are continually being invented as technology progresses and industries expand.

What Do Heavy Equipment Operators Do?

Heavy equipment operators may specialize in a single type of machinery or have experience with multiple types of heavy equipment.

On a typical day, they’re in charge of inspecting the equipment, adhering to safety precautions, and completing tasks in accordance with project plans and specifications. They may also be responsible for routine maintenance and repairs.

What Kind of Training Do You Need to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator?

There are multiple tracks you can take to become a heavy equipment operator. To reduce accidents and damage on construction sites, employers prioritize recruiting those with formal training, so you may want to learn by taking on an apprenticeship or by going to a vocational school.

However, it’s possible to get experience on the job in a more informal manner. Typically, this involves starting with smaller, less expensive equipment. As you prove your aptitude and commitment, you can work your way up.

All of these paths will involve learning the machinery’s mechanics, operating instructions, general maintenance, and safety information.

How Do You Become a Certified Heavy Equipment Operator?

While some types of heavy equipment have true certification programs through bodies like the National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), many do not.

In cases where no actual certification program exists and the only legal requirement is to meet OSHA’s safety standards, “heavy equipment certification” is often a shorthanded way of describing the process for demonstrating competency before you’re allowed to operate a particular type of equipment unsupervised. The process is sometimes also referred to as a heavy equipment operator license, even in cases where no actual license is issued.

Typically, when “certification” is used in this informal sense, the goal is to fulfill OSHA’s heavy equipment operator training requirements as laid out in standards like §1926.1427(b) or §1910.178(l)(3).

These standards require employers to ensure that operators know everything they need to know to operate the machinery safely. Essentially, it boils down to a two-step process: formal instruction followed by practical instruction.

OSHA gives employers a lot of latitude in how this training is accomplished, but many employers require third-party coursework through an OSHA-authorized training provider to ensure that operators are taught professionally and thoroughly. Once potential operators have passed the course’s final exam, they go through supervised hands-on training by a competent person. Practical instruction ends when the operator can pass a test that they’ve mastered safe operation.

This is the minimum national heavy equipment operator license requirement, but certain jurisdictions or types of equipment have a more specific licensing or certification process.

If you’re not sure what’s expected of you, it’s important to ask for clarification before you commit to a specific training program.

Benefits of Heavy Equipment Operator Certification

Whether you are interested in starting a career as an operator or you’re an experienced operator looking to advance, completing heavy equipment training can provide significant professional benefits.

Regulatory Requirements

Some states, counties, or municipalities require heavy equipment operators to have a particular type of license or certification. In these cases, you can only legally become a heavy equipment operator if you have the right qualifications.

Even in jurisdictions with no particular licensing or certification requirements, OSHA requires heavy equipment safety training for operators. Some degree of safety training is also required for anyone who is exposed to safety hazards by working in close proximity to heavy equipment.

Employability

Naturally, employers give hiring preference to candidates who are already certified heavy equipment operators. As a result, completing heavy equipment training improves an operator’s hiring potential and job security.

Salary Increase and Other Benefits

Beyond being more employable than their competitors, qualified operators also have a higher earnings potential.

Job Satisfaction

Research shows heavy equipment operators are also highly satisfied with their jobs, citing good income and satisfying work with concrete results.

Enroll in Heavy Equipment Training Online

Enrolling in a high-quality heavy equipment operator training program is a fantastic idea if you find the benefits mentioned above appealing.

You can even start your journey to becoming a qualified heavy equipment operator online! By taking one of our OSHA-authorized training courses, you’ll learn the safety hazards presented by particular pieces of equipment and the OSHA standards and best practices to keep you safe.

Our courses are self-paced and available anywhere with an internet connection, so you can review the material at your own speed, whenever and wherever you have time. We have courses that cover the formal instruction portion on everything from boom trucks to cranes, aerial lifts, and forklifts. You’ll get a certificate of completion at the end, proving to prospective employers that you’ve already invested in your heavy equipment operator education.

Get started today!