Hoist / Winch Operator

Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Hoist Operator; Hoisting Operator; Hoistman; Service Operator; Winch Derrick Operator; Winchman

Tasks

• Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
• Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
• Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
• Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.
• Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment, using hand tools.
• Tend auxiliary equipment, such as jacks, slings, cables, or stop blocks, to facilitate moving items or materials for further processing.
• Move levers, pedals, and throttles to stop, start, and regulate speeds of hoist or winch drums in response to hand, bell, buzzer, telephone, loud-speaker, or whistle signals, or by observing dial indicators or cable marks.
• Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.
• Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.
• Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
• Oil winch drums so that cables will wind smoothly.

Knowledge

• Mechanical

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Active Listening
• Speaking

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Reaction Time
• Depth Perception
• Multilimb Coordination
• Near Vision
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Selective Attention
• Manual Dexterity
• Speech Recognition
• Inductive Reasoning
• Perceptual Speed
• Visualization
• Rate Control
• Far Vision
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Speech Clarity
• Information Ordering
• Finger Dexterity
• Extent Flexibility
• Gross Body Equilibrium
• Category Flexibility
• Response Orientation
• Auditory Attention