If you’re currently looking into crane schools in hopes of becoming a crane operator, you probably know the basics of the career — how much you might make, where you might be able to find work, and what’s required of you to become certified.
One thing you may not know, however, is what exactly a crane operator does every single day.
If you’re looking to gain some further familiarity with the profession, take a quick look at the day-to-day life of a certified crane operator.
As the operator of a crane, you’ll generally be responsible for getting the crane to the job site. How that’s done will depend on the location of the job, but there are a few universals regardless: you’ll need to take safety very seriously, and you’ll likely need to wake up early in the morning.
One of the first things crane operator schools teach is how many dangers are involved with operating a crane. Careful planning and preparation are crucial. You’ll work with your team to determine your daily goal, then inspect your crane to ensure that it’s safe to use.
After the plan is in place and safety precautions have been taken, it’s time to get to work. Now is when you’ll be getting safely inside your crane and enacting the plan, all the while staying cognizant of any potential dangers.
Crane operators can work a regular 8-hour day, but sometimes they work far longer, reaching up to 12, 14, or even 18 hours in a single shift.
Keep in mind that as new technology and safety measures are put in place, you will be expected to keep up with them and even recertify regularly. Even when you’re a hardworking and well-paid crane operator, you’ll always be a student.