Operating Heavy Equipment Safely: Training and Certification Tips
Heavy equipment operators are an important part of various industries, including construction, mining, and forestry. They move materials and complete projects by operating construction equipment such as bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, and dump trucks. However, operating heavy machinery is not as straightforward as driving a car or truck. Special training, knowledge, and certifications are required to become an efficient, safe, and successful heavy machinery operator.
In this article, we’ll discuss the crucial aspects of navigating heavy machinery and how online safety training can help benefit your career.
What is a Heavy Equipment Operator?
Heavy equipment operators use machinery for construction and demolition jobs. However, there are numerous varieties of heavy equipment, 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 individual activities and projects. However, some of the most commonly used 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 power equipment available. New types of machinery are continually being invented as technology progresses and industries expand.
What Do Heavy Equipment Operators Do?
On a typical day, a heavy equipment operator might use an excavator to dig a building foundation or a bulldozer to clear land for development. They may also work with crane operators to lift and move things, and they may transport materials from one area to another using dump trucks.
Operators can specialize in a single machinery type or have experience running a variety of heavy equipment. Heavy equipment operators are in charge of inspecting equipment, adhering to safety precautions, and completing duties in accordance with project plans and specifications. They may also be responsible for routine maintenance and repairs.
Heavy machinery operators need extensive training and education, as well as certificates, licenses, and credentials. To reduce accidents and damage on construction sites, employers prioritize recruiting those with professional training. Workers operating specified types of heavy equipment are required by OSHA requirements to get training in safe operation, machinery mechanics, and industry standards.
To keep certifications current, operators must complete continuing education and go through a renewal process. Maintaining certificates and licenses ensures consistent employment and advancement chances.
Benefits of Heavy Equipment Operator Certification
Whether you are interested in becoming an operator or an experienced operator looking to further your career, completing a heavy equipment training program provides significant professional benefits. Here are some of the most notable:
- Professional Certification: Many states require licensed or qualified heavy equipment operators. Not all types of equipment require licensing or certification to operate in certain states. Certification training programs offer courses for licensure or are sufficient to operate specific heavy equipment in the state. Specific regulations differ from state to state.
- Employability: Heavy equipment training courses offer new employees operational experience, increasing flexibility, and job site experience. The demand for heavy equipment operators is expected to grow by 10%, according to BLS, making certified operators the best candidates. Course training ensures job security in construction despite potential job changes.
- Salary Increase and Other Benefits: Most of the time, the only education requirement for heavy equipment operators is a high school diploma or GED. Those who finish certification programs are in more demand than their competitors. Companies may pay experience-based employees, giving certified employees a competitive edge. They may also receive benefits like medical care, health insurance, paid vacation time, and retirement strategies and may be reimbursed for education and training programs.
- Job Satisfaction: Research shows heavy equipment operators are also highly satisfied with their jobs, citing good income, perks, demanding work, and the satisfaction of witnessing the physical consequences of their efforts.
Enroll in Heavy Equipment Training
Enrolling in a high-quality heavy equipment operator training program is a fantastic idea if you find the benefits mentioned above appealing. There are programs available, such as those offered by 360training. Browse our catalog to learn more about our heavy equipment operator courses, which include everything from boom trucks to cranes, aerial lifts, and forklifts. Get the online course you need to fulfill your OSHA obligations. Get started today!
