It takes more than just skills and knowledge to be an effective heavy equipment operator. Like most workplaces, you also need the right attitude. This is particularly true when it comes to heavy equipment safety. We can train new operators in all the correct safety procedures; what we cannot do is change an operator’s attitude. That is an issue that a graduate needs to consider themselves.

So what do we mean by ‘attitude’? Heavy equipment safety means following rules and guidelines. As an operator, you have a choice – you can follow those rules, or try to take shortcuts. Worse still, you can consider those rules silly or unnecessary, and totally ignore them. That attitude will result in accidents, and operators with that attitude will have very short careers – if they survive any accidents.

Over the years, heavy equipment accidents have resulted in deaths and serious injuries. The Department Of Labor established OSHA to put in place safety guidelines for every employment place in the U.S. Employers (and employees) are obliged to follow these guidelines and for those who refuse or become neglectful, there are hefty fines. National bodies have been established to help put in place minimum training guidelines and this includes heavy equipment.

Heavy equipment training programs now need to include heavy equipment safety components. This ensures that everyone entering the industry has the same heavy equipment safety training. By standardizing this area of training, graduates are immediately employable nationwide since those safety standards are national, and not just restricted to the one state.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have earned a reputation for delivery training that is first class. This training provides in-class components that relate directly to safety along with in-the-seat operator training that helps to reinforce those safety aspects. Heavy equipment safety is important to everyone on a work site. Heavy equipment machinery is very dangerous in untrained hands so we make every sure every graduate works in a safe and happy environment.

To be employed as a rigger or a signal person, you need to meet OSHA crane mandated qualifications. Riggers and signal persons have demanding jobs that come with a lot of responsibility. While a crane operator may be controlling the load, it is the rigger/signal person who is directing the crane operator – the two work hand in hand as a close team. In fact, in most cases, neither can operate without the other.

Meeting the minimum mandated qualifications need not be costly, nor should it impact on a business’s ability to operate. Winter is often the quiet time for many construction companies, so it is the perfect time to consider training options, especially for those individuals who may only perform certain tasks (like signal person) occasionally. Having several workers trained and qualified creates a flexible team of employees that makes allocating work tasks much easier.

ATS (Associated Training Services) has one of the most affordable OSHA compliant rigger/signalperson training programs available. Training can be adapted to workplaces when required ensuring there is minimal disruption to a business’s productivity. Our rigger and signal person certification program:

• Exceeds OSHA qualification standard for rigging and signal persons.
• Includes written and practical training and testing.
• 32 to 36 hours (4 days) depending on number of candidates.
• Certification issued by National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
• NCCCO Rigging Level One and NCCCO Signal Person Certifications.

Being able to undertake training and certification through the one training organization helps to ensure that minimal disruption. ATS has over 40 years training experience and we have developed a solid reputation amongst employers for delivery training that is appropriate while meeting national standards.

If you are looking to become a certified rigger or signal person, or if you’re an employer that could benefit through the certification of employees, then contact us for more information on rigger and signal person training and certification.

One of the trends that reappears on a regular basis in our heavy equipment job listings is the requirement for a commercial drivers license (or CDL). Employers are now trying to employ workers who bring several different skills to the workplace. It does make sense, if an employee has more than one skill, then an employer can assign them tasks based on the employers need at that time – it’s certainly better than having to find menial jobs, or to have an employee sitting around doing nothing.

New heavy equipment operators will find that a CDL may make them more attractive to employers. However, it could also mean you are left to do the more mundane duties that are found in every workplace. I wouldn’t treat that as negative, however, since it can actually help your long term career prospects. What do I mean by mundane? Loading heavy equipment onto trailers, driving the trailer to a work site, unloading the heavy equipment, then returning ready for the next job – sound mundane – it probably is day after day. However, to begin with, you are playing an important role, and more importantly, you are gaining experience, albeit limited, on a range of heavy equipment.

Employers will, over time, allocate heavy equipment operational tasks, and that is where you can really start to develop skills and earn the trust and confidence of your employer. Before you know it, you are on permanent heavy equipment operation duties, and another rookie has joined the ranks to do the transporting. This is a common transition that occurs in most professions – you start at the bottom and work your way to the top.

Heavy equipment operators with CDLs are in high demand. Whether you’re a rookie looking to boost you employment prospects, or seasoned operator, that commercial drivers license could make a huge difference to your career – just check our heavy equipment job listings to see what employers are looking for.