Rigging and signalperson jobs are in demand. You have probably heard those terms, but you may not know what the jobs entail. A rigger is an individual with the proper degree or certificate or someone who has extensive training and experience or knowledge that enables them to successfully demonstrate their ability to resolve issues that pertain to rigging loads. These are individuals who must have the ability to rig the load for a specific job and properly plan the process.

Topics covered by a rigger training course will include OSHA and ASME standards, the proper use of taglines, knots that are used in rigging, hoisting personnel, hand and voice signals, and the safe usage of slings, rigging hardware, wire rope, and chain and lever hoists. It also involves rigging procedures and practices as well as learning the basics of crane operations.

Signalpersons serve as the eyes and ears on the ground for the crane operator. They must properly signal and communicate with the crane operator so they can avoid crane accidents. Crane operators should never try to work without a qualified signalperson on duty working with them. According to OSHA, a crane operator signalperson must complete specific training to be qualified to perform the job.

Here are some responsibilities of a signalperson:

• Demonstrate their knowledge through practical, oral, and written tests
• Know the crane equipment, its limitations and the dynamics involved in boom and crane lifting and movement
• Know the different kinds of signals used at the job site and can use those signals competently

There are certain times that OSHA requires a signalperson to be on the job. Those times include:

• The load or area near or at the load isn’t within the operator’s full view
• When the equipment is moving, and the direction of movement is obstructed
• When the operator or the individual who is handling the load believes a signalperson is needed for safety concerns

Eligibility requirements to become a certified signalperson:

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Pass drug screening
• Pass the written exam
• Pass a practical test
• Adhere to the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) Code of Ethics

Rigging and signalperson jobs are in great demand. There are websites where openings are listed. There are also different construction organizations that help companies recruit for the two different positions. Specialized training schools, such as ATS, can also help with job placement. To learn more about training programs for rigging and signalperson positions, contact ATS today at (800) 383-7364.

In any construction site, no matter what crane is being used, from the smallest loader crane to the largest tower crane, there is a certain amount of danger once a load is off the ground. Safety is a crucial aspect of any crane operation, and riggers are central to that safety, with the crane operator making up a team that oversees every aspect of the crane operation on site.

The rigging team is responsible for all aspects of a lift, from the rigging of the load to ensure it has the required support and stability by organizing the cables and so on. This is where the rigging reference comes from, a throwback to the times of sailboats, but the rigger’s duties do not stop there, they also take part in the monitoring of the process throughout the lift. The other aspect of rigging that is incredibly important for safety is the signalperson. The signalperson relays the load condition, observations of the team, and other details to the crane operator themselves throughout the process.

Each of these positions is essential for site safety, the load riggers assess the weight, balance, and size of the load, setting up the pulleys and cable system to ensure a safe lift, so safety actually begins well before the lifting process is even started. During the lift, the signalperson will help control the lift and is an essential rigger position. With modern construction requiring ever larger and heavier loads to be moved, the rigger team is crucial to keeping the site safe during the lift, aiding and advising the crane operator throughout the process. Safe crane operation really is a team effort, and riggers are crucial to that team’s success.

Of course, for that team to work effectively and efficiently to maintain safety, training is essential, but the right training is even more important. There is specific OSHA qualification for riggers and signalpersons, and those qualifications can open doors to a new and rewarding career as a rigger or signalperson.

Here at ATS, we believe safety on site is one of the most important aspects of the construction industry today, and we are proud to offer OSHA-compliant courses for both riggers and signalpersons that go beyond the basic requirements.

Our qualification program for either rigger or signalperson meets OSHA requirements, and features both written and practical instruction and testing over 8 to 12 hours, resulting in each student receiving a qualification compliance card issued by Associated Training Services upon successful completion.

Moving on, our Certification Program for riggers and signalperson exceeds the OSHA qualification standard, and again, includes both written and practical training and testing over a 4-day period. Successful completion brings with it NCCCO Rigging Level One and NCCCO Signal Person Certifications, providing a valuable skillset that employers are actively seeking.

The rigger is a very important part of any heavy equipment team. More than just a driver, a rigger performs six different but essential heavy equipment tasks every day. Here are those six tasks.

1. Lifting – A rigger uses hoists and pulleys to lift heavy items such as equipment, loads, and cargo. To accomplish this task, they may provide the mechanical, electrical, and other tools to accomplish the lifting on the job site.
2. Moving – A rigger is responsible for moving heavy loads from one end of a work site to another. This may entail using a crane to lift and move large boxes, vehicles, or other heavy cargo on a dock, in a warehouse, or across a construction site.
3. Transporting – Riggers are also responsible for transporting heavy equipment, machinery, and cargo. This could involve the use of flatbed trucks, cargo ships, and other heavy industrial equipment.
4. Positioning – Sometimes, loads shift. A rigger is responsible for ensuring heavy loads do not shift during transport or, in the event that a shift has occurred, re-positioning loads for further transport.
5. Pulling – Riggers are responsible for pulling loads and heavy equipment or cargo. That may entail the use of wenches, pullies, dollies, jacks, and other useful mechanical equipment.
6. Security – Equipment security is very important. A rigger must ensure a load is safe and secure before, during, and after transport. This may involve securing a load with straps, bands, weights, and other equipment designed to keep cargo from shifting during transport or to ensure cargo isn’t burglarized or vandalized.

Heavy equipment riggers are a very important part of the heavy equipment team.

Look at all the possible jobs you can have as a graduate of ATS! Check with our Employment Department for more details.

• WILLMAR, MN — hiring heavy equipment operators
• DURHAM, NC — hiring heavy equipment operators
• CHATTANOOGA, TN — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• CASSVILLE, WI — hiring heavy equipment operators
• SAN ANTONIO, TX — hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• JEFFERSON, WI — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• LODI, WI — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• LONG BEACH, CA — hiring heavy equipment operators
• JAMESTOWN, NY — hiring heavy equipment operators
• YADKINVILLE, NC — hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• ROGERS, AR — hiring heavy equipment operators
• BRIDGEWATER, NJ — hiring heavy equipment operators
• MOOREHEAD, MN — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• IRVING, TX — hiring heavy equipment operators.
• POMPANO BEACH, FL — hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• GREEN BAY, WI — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• DETROIT, MI — hiring heavy equipment operators
• AMHERST, WI — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• QUINCY, IL — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• VANCOUVER, WA — hiring heavy equipment operators
• ESCONDIDO, CA — hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• MEDFORD, WI — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• HALLOCK, MN — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• MADISON, WI — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• OWENSVILLE, IN — hiring heavy equipment operators
• HOUSTON, TX — hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• OMAHA, NE — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• ISANTI, MN — hiring heavy equipment operators
• IRON MOUNTAIN, MI — hiring heavy equipment operators
• PERU, IN — hiring heavy equipment operators
• MAIDEN ROCK, WI — hiring heavy equipment operators
• WAKARUSA, IN — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• NEILLSVILLE, WI — hiring heavy equipment operators
• DES PLAINES, IL — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• FREEPORT, NY — hiring heavy equipment operators
• NEWBERRY, FL — hiring heavy equipment operators
• BEAVER, OK — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• MENOMONEE FALLS, WI — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• THE WOODLANDS, TX — hiring mobile crane operators
• RENVILLE, MN — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• QUINCY, IL — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• OLATHE, KS — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• AUSTIN, TX — hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• TAMPA, FL — hiring heavy equipment operators
• CHERRY HILL, NJ –hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• MENTOR, OH — hiring heavy equipment operators
• WHITEWATER, WI –hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• GOOSE CREEK, SC — hiring mobile crane operators
• COLCHESTER, IL — hiring mobile crane operators
• NEENAH, WI –hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• PIEDMONT, SD — hiring mobile crane operators with Class-A CDL
• ROCKFORD, IL — hiring heavy equipment operators with Class-A CDL
• SPRINGFIELD, IL — hiring heavy equipment operators
• FITCHBURG, WI –hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• SAINT PAUL, MN –hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• NAPLES, FL –hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• MARSHFIELD, WI –hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• AUSTIN, TX — hiring heavy equipment operators and mobile crane operators
• GRAND PRAIRIE, TX — hiring mobile crane operators
• DE PERE, WI — hiring heavy equipment operators
• INDIANAPOLIS, IN –hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• TIOGA, ND — hiring heavy equipment operators
• HUMBLE, TX — hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• MCFARLAND, WI — hiring heavy equipment operators

Every one of these openings is a testimony to the need for skilled professionals today. Get your training and get started on a career you can count on.

Look at all the job listings this month! There are openings all over the country, and those openings are for all kinds of professionally trained operators and drivers. These jobs need professionally-trained people because the machinery is expensive and the job sites vary in complexity. Applicants who have had nationally recognized training are looked at first.

Employers look at where you have been trained, the types of certifications you hold, and your real-world experience. ATS can offer lifetime employment assistance because we are continually contacted by companies who want our graduates. This is because they know they are getting qualified people. If you are an ATS grad, you always have support for finding your next job. Check out the possibilities below:

• SAINT CHARLES, IL — Hiring heavy equipment operators
• IRVING, TX — Hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• OAKDALE, MN — Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• LEXINGTON, SC — Hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• ALLENTON, WI — Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• RACINE, WI — Hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• RICHMOND, VA — Hiring heavy equipment operators
• WEST FARGO, ND — Hiring heavy equipment operators
• PORTLAND, TX — Hiring heavy equipment operators
• SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• DEER CREEK, IL — Hiring heavy equipment operators
• WESTMINSTER, CO — Hiring heavy equipment operators
• HOUSTON, TX — Hiring mobile crane operators and riggers
• REEDSBURG, WI — Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• MADISON, WI — Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• SAN ANTONIO, TX — Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• FRIDLEY, MN — Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Hiring heavy equipment operators
• GREEN BAY, WI — Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers
• CLINTON, WI — Hiring heavy equipment operators
• MCGREGOR, MN — Hiring heavy equipment operators

Don’t see anything for you on the list? Contact ATS to see what else is available, or schedule your training so you can take advantage of new openings.

Heavy equipment operations are one of the most rewarding careers on the planet. Don’t believe me? Here are five solid reasons you should enroll in a heavy equipment operations training course right now.

1. You’ll learn how to operate all of the most important heavy equipment you see on any job site. This includes backhoes, wheel loaders, scrapers, excavators, bulldozers, graders, skid steers, and forklifts.
2. You can acquire your mobile crane operator certificate and be one of the best-trained and paid professionals on the job site no matter where you live.
3. Heavy equipment operators with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are highly sought after and paid well above their peers on the job site. With a CDL, you’ll have the first pick in jobs because you’re flexible and able to handle the most important tasks every employer needs.
4. Riggers and signalpersons are some of the most important people on the job site. If you get your certification for rigging/signalpersons, then you can set the workflow for your company on the job site. Riggers and signalpersons are regulated by OSHA. When you meet the standard, you’ll know that you are one of the most important people on the job site.
5. Associated Training Services also trains you in the soft skills you need to find the perfect job. You learn how to prepare a resume, how to interview successfully, gain networking skills, and more. But we don’t just train you and leave you. We also give you a mentor to help you, and you get a free lifetime membership to our job board.

From Miami, Florida to Anchorage, Alaska and all points in between, if you want to know where the heavy equipment and truck driving jobs are, you’ve got to check out Total Resources Network. It’s the biggest and best heavy equipment jobs board on the planet.

When you become a student of Associated Training Sources, you’ll have 24/7 lifetime access to Total Resources Network. Not only will you be able to look for employment at any time, but we’ll also connect you with a career counselor while in school and train you on the soft skills you need to get a job in today’s heavy equipment market. You’ll learn how to prepare your resume and conduct a successful interview. That’s in addition to the heavy equipment training you’ll receive.

Get your certification as a mobile crane operator, a rigger, or a Class-A CDL truck driver and you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career in one of the best industries in the world.

Here is a short list of today’s job listings. See anything you might like? Enroll today.

• DARIEN, WI Hiring mobile crane operators.
• LAUREL, MT Hiring mobile crane operators.
• LA CROSSE, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• WYOMING, MI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• BEAVER DAM, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• DENVER, CO Hiring heavy equipment operators.
• MADISON, WI Hiring mobile crane operators.
• MOOREHEAD, MN Hiring riggers with Class-A CDL.
• MEMPHIS, TN Hiring mobile crane operators.
• ABILENE, TX Hiring mobile crane operators and riggers.
• HOUSTON, TX Hiring mobile crane operators and riggers.

Happy Halloween!

When you start your job search again, try these heavy equipment jobs from around the country:

• MILWAUKEE, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• WINDSOR, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• GREEN BAY, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• AUBURNDALE, WI Hiring mobile crane operators.
• GRIMES, IA Hiring mobile crane operators.
• GREENWOOD, MS Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• BATON ROUGE, LA Hiring riggers.
• AMHERST, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• MARSHFIELD, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• ELLSWORTH, WI Hiring heavy equipment operators.
• GRANITE FALLS, MN Hiring riggers.
• BYRON CENTER, MI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• HARAHAN, LA Hiring mobile crane operators.
• SHREVEPORT, LA Hiring mobile crane operators.
• GLENDALE, AZ Hiring riggers.
• BLUE BELL, PA Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• HOUSTON, TX Hiring mobile crane operators and riggers.
• NUNICA, MI Hiring heavy equipment operators.
• JANESVILLE, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• WHITEWATER, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• ANTIGO, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• ORWELL, OH Hiring heavy equipment operators.
• WAUNAKEE, WI Hiring local Class-A CDL flatbed truck drivers.
• JANESVILLE, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• WILLIAMSTOWN, NY Hiring heavy equipment operators.
• FORT DODGE, IA Hiring mobile crane operators.
• BRAZIL, IN Hiring mobile crane operators.
• HOUSTON, TX Hiring mobile crane operators.
• SUN PRAIRIE, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• COLONA, IL Hiring heavy equipment operators and Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• FREDONIA, NY Hiring heavy equipment operators.
• HERMANTOWN, MN Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• OAK CREEK, WI Hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.

On construction sites and other industrial work locations where large heavy machines are used, someone has to set that equipment up so that operators can use it. The operators generally don’t set up their own equipment. There are specialists who do that for them prior to the work assignment. These specialists are called riggers.

Riggers also come along behind the operators and dismantle the equipment when the work is done.

This is a very demanding job and is fraught with many safety hazards. We are talking about a lot of moving parts, and many of those parts are themselves quite heavy. Riggers could find themselves using heavy equipment, such as cranes and loaders, to move heavy machinery components into place so that the rigging team can assemble them properly. On large industrial sites, the set up and assembly portion of the project could take days to complete.

Riggers, like any heavy equipment operator, must be trained to proficiently carry out the tasks of their jobs. This training is subject to OSHA standards.

If you are interested in becoming a heavy equipment rigger, consider taking the ATS Rigging and Signalperson training course.

ATS will qualify you to become a heavy equipment rigger and certify you by OSHA standards to carry out the heavy tasks associated with setting up and tearing down a work site. Not only do riggers assemble and disassemble heavy equipment on site, but they are also often called upon to move equipment from one location to another. It’s an important job with highly specialized skills.

One of the more important jobs on a construction site is that of the rigger. A rigger does a lot of work that reduces the risk of injury to others working on that construction site. Riggers also work closely with crane operators to ensure the safe movement of materials by that crane. Because safety has become an important issue in all workplaces, steps were taken to ensure that all riggers meet a minimum standard of training and knowledge. To comply with these regulations, riggers are now required to complete a training program, or at least demonstrate their skills and knowledge and to be issued with a compliance card that verifies their skills and knowledge.

That is the very minimum requirement. Some employers look for a wider range of skills and knowledge, preferring to employ those who have become certified riggers. Certification is a longer, more in depth training program and is often the minimum requirement for those in positions of authority.

The ATS OSHA rigger training programs are designed to meet these minimum standards. You can either go through the certification program or opt for the shorter compliance card program, depending on your requirements. For employers, group training has many cost benefits, especially if undertaken in the workplace. Downtime is reduced, and all employees receive the same training – and that includes any modifications that may be required to suit your workplace.

If your employees do not meet the minimum requirements under OSHA regulations, then you can be fined. If someone is hurt or killed in a workplace incident and your workers don’t meet these regulations, then the cost could be much higher than a simple fine.