Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

The Crane Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating cranes and lifting equipment to move, position, and place materials, machinery, and equipment at the construction site according to project requirements. The role ensures that all lifting operations are executed in compliance with safety regulations, project specifications, and standard operating procedures, while maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing risks. The Crane Operator collaborates closely with site supervisors, engineers, and other construction personnel to plan and execute lifts, coordinate material movements, and support overall construction activities. The role contributes to the timely progress of projects by ensuring accurate placement of materials, maintaining equipment in good working condition, and proactively identifying potential hazards or operational issues.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.0 Planning & Preparation

1.1 Review lifting plans, project drawings, and site layout before operations.

1.2 Verify load weights, dimensions, and rigging requirements against crane capacity.

1.3 Conduct pre-operation inspections of the crane, attachments, and lifting gear.

1.4 Assess site conditions including ground stability, overhead obstacles, and weather.

1.5 Confirm permits, approvals, and documentation for lifting operations are in place.

1.6 Coordinate lifting schedules with site supervisors, engineers, and logistics teams.

1.7 Participate in pre-lift meetings to align responsibilities and safety measures.

1.8 Prepare contingency plans for equipment breakdowns or adverse weather.

1.9 Ensure rigging materials, slings, shackles, and accessories are available and certified.

1.10 Review past lifting operations or incidents to anticipate potential issues.

1.11 Evaluate site access routes and positioning for crane setup to ensure safe and efficient operations.

1.12 Assess surrounding infrastructure (power lines, scaffolding, nearby equipment) to avoid collisions.

1.13 Verify communication systems (radios, signal devices) are functioning before operations.

2.0 Crane Operation & Execution

2.1 Operate cranes to lift, move, and position materials safely and efficiently.

2.2 Ensure smooth and controlled movement of loads to avoid accidents or damage.

2.3 Monitor crane instrumentation and load indicators during operations.

2.4 Follow approved rigging techniques and safe lifting procedures.

2.5 Coordinate with signalmen, riggers, and spotters for precise load placement.

2.6 Adjust crane positioning as required to align with lifting plans.

2.7 Perform lifts according to project specifications and client requirements.

2.8 Avoid overloading, sudden movements, or unsafe maneuvers.

2.9 Ensure loads are properly balanced and secured before lifting.

2.10 Communicate with site teams regarding lift completion and load placement.

2.11 Operate cranes in various weather conditions while maintaining safety and stability.

3.0 Safety & Compliance

3.1 Adhere to HSE policies, site safety rules, and legal regulations.

3.2 Conduct routine safety checks on crane, rigging, and attachments.

3.3 Identify and mitigate potential hazards during lifting operations.

3.4 Report unsafe conditions, incidents, near-misses, or unsafe acts immediately.

3.5 Ensure proper use of PPE, safety harnesses, and other protective devices.

3.6 Observe and follow emergency procedures in case of equipment malfunction or site hazard.

3.7 Enforce safety protocols with riggers and spotters during lifts.

3.8 Ensure that crane operations do not interfere with other site activities.

3.9 Participate in regular safety audits, inspections, and toolbox talks.

3.10 Maintain awareness of environmental conditions like wind speed or rain affecting crane operations.

4.0 Equipment Maintenance & Inspection

4.1 Perform daily, weekly, and monthly crane inspections and maintenance checks.

4.2 Check hydraulic systems, mechanical components, and electrical circuits for functionality.

4.3 Lubricate and service crane components as per manufacturer guidelines.

4.4 Report defects, damages, or malfunctions to maintenance teams promptly.

4.5 Maintain detailed records of inspections, servicing, and repairs.

4.6 Ensure all lifting attachments, slings, and shackles are certified and in good condition.

4.7 Conduct pre-start checks for safety devices, brakes, limit switches, and alarms.

4.8 Ensure proper shutdown and securing of the crane when not in use.

4.9 Coordinate with the maintenance department to schedule major overhauls or repairs.

4.10 Verify that safety decals, load charts, and operational manuals are legible and available in the crane cabin.

5.0 Load Handling & Material Safety

5.1 Ensure proper rigging and slinging of materials before lifting.

5.2 Confirm that loads are within the crane’s rated capacity.

5.3 Avoid swinging, sudden drops, or collisions during lifts.

5.4 Ensure that suspended loads do not pose hazards to personnel or property.

5.5 Use tag lines and guiding ropes to control movement of loads.

5.6 Inspect loads for stability, integrity, and potential hazards.

5.7 Coordinate with teams to place heavy equipment or materials safely on site.

5.8 Follow manufacturer guidelines for lifting machinery or sensitive equipment.

5.9 Keep clear of overhead power lines and other obstructions.

5.10 Communicate any restrictions or hazards to site supervisors before operations.

5.11 Ensure proper attachment of slings, hooks, and shackles to prevent load slippage.

5.12 Verify that the center of gravity of loads is correctly identified before lifting.

5.13 Monitor load stability continuously during multi-point or tandem lifts.

5.14 Coordinate with spotters to maintain safe exclusion zones around the lift area.

6.0 Coordination & Communication

6.1 Liaise with site engineers, supervisors, and riggers to plan lifting activities.

6.2 Communicate clearly using hand signals, radios, or other approved methods.

6.3 Provide updates on lift progress, delays, or operational challenges.

6.4 Coordinate with other trades to avoid clashes during crane operations.

6.5 Report operational issues and maintenance needs to supervisors.

6.6 Provide guidance to riggers on proper rigging and load handling.

6.7 Participate in daily briefings to align with project schedules.

6.8 Assist supervisors in planning lifting sequences for complex operations.

6.9 Ensure that all communication protocols are followed during lifts.

6.10 Document any operational incidents or challenges for management review.

7.0 Documentation & Reporting

7.1 Maintain daily logs of crane operations, lifts, and material movements.

7.2 Record equipment inspections, servicing, and maintenance actions.

7.3 Document incidents, accidents, and near-misses accurately.

7.4 Maintain records of certifications, rigging equipment, and load charts.

7.5 Prepare reports on lifting operations for site management and audits.

7.6 Track crane utilization and operational hours for performance monitoring.

7.7 Document deviations from lifting plans and corrective actions taken.

7.8 Ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, and accessible for audits.

7.9 Maintain records of fuel consumption, hydraulic oil, and consumables.

7.10 Keep track of crane attachments, slings, shackles, and their certification status.

8.0 Risk Management

8.1 Identify risks related to lifting, crane operation, and material handling.

8.2 Implement preventive measures to reduce accidents, load damage, or delays.

8.3 Conduct site-specific risk assessments before starting lifts.

8.4 Escalate high-risk situations to supervisors with recommended actions.

8.5 Participate in safety drills and emergency response planning.

8.6 Ensure proper barriers, exclusion zones, and safety signage are in place.

8.7 Monitor environmental conditions (wind, rain, visibility) affecting lifts.

8.8 Investigate incidents and near-misses to prevent recurrence.

8.9 Ensure compliance with regulatory, HSE, and manufacturer guidelines.

8.10 Maintain a risk register to track identified hazards and mitigation measures.

9.0 Training & Competency Development

9.1 Participate in training for new crane types or lifting equipment.

9.2 Maintain certifications, licenses, and qualifications for crane operation.

9.3 Mentor junior crane operators and riggers in safe lifting practices.

9.4 Attend refresher courses on HSE standards and site procedures.

9.5 Promote skill development through on-the-job coaching and workshops.

9.6 Keep up-to-date with industry best practices, safety regulations, and technology.

9.7 Evaluate team competency in rigging, signaling, and load handling.

9.8 Provide feedback to supervisors on training needs or gaps.

9.9 Conduct toolbox talks with lifting team on hazards and mitigation.

9.10 Encourage adherence to standard operating procedures and safety protocols.

10.0 Anti-Bribery Compliance

10.1 Understand, apply, and comply to anti-bribery & corruption management system
and policies.
10.2 Report any violation to anti-bribery & corruption policy through whistleblowing
channels.

11.0 Continuous Improvement

11.1 Identify opportunities to optimize crane operations and lifting efficiency.

11.2 Recommend process improvements to reduce downtime and enhance safety.

11.3 Suggest improvements in equipment usage, rigging, or site coordination.

11.4 Monitor effectiveness of implemented improvements and adjust practices.

11.5 Encourage team involvement in operational improvements and innovation.

11.6 Evaluate past incidents to improve future lifting plans.

11.7 Introduce new techniques or tools to enhance precision and safety.

11.8 Collaborate with supervisors and engineers to improve lift planning.

11.9 Track performance metrics post-improvement to measure results.

11.10 Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning on site.

Job Requirements

a) High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training in crane operation, heavy machinery, or construction equipment is preferred.

b) Proven experience as a crane operator in the construction or industrial sector (typically 3–5 years or more).

c) Knowledge of different types of cranes, lifting techniques, and rigging procedures.

d) Familiarity with load charts, lifting plans, and safe load handling practices.

e) Experience in operating various lifting attachments, slings, shackles, and rigging gear.

f) Understanding of HSE regulations, safety standards, and site-specific safety procedures.

g) Basic knowledge of crane maintenance, pre-operation inspections, and troubleshooting.

h) Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, lifting plans, and technical specifications.

i) Physical fitness and dexterity to operate cranes and perform rigging tasks safely.

j) Strong awareness of site hazards, environmental conditions, and operational risks.

k) Experience in coordinating with riggers, spotters, site engineers, and supervisors for lifting operations.

l) Basic computer skills to log operations, maintenance records, and inspection reports.

Skills