Hoist and Winch Operators
On the Job
Hoist and Winch Operators tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition.
- Connect cables or electrical lines.
- Position material handling equipment.
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
- Communicate with others to coordinate material handling or movement.
- Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties.
- Load shipments, belongings, or materials.
- Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
Typical Working Conditions
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Exposure to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Working with a group or team.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Exposure to hazardous equipment.
- Working in a closed vehicle or equipment.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.