| Heavy equipment operator | |
| Type: | Vocation |
| Activity Sector: | Construction |
| Employment Field: | construction |
| Related Occupation: | excavator operator, Driver |
A heavy equipment operator operates heavy equipment used in engineering and construction projects.[1] [2] Typically only skilled workers may operate heavy equipment, and there is specialized training for learning to use heavy equipment.
Various organizations set standards for training for heavy equipment operators. Such organizations typically offer what in the US is called "effective safety training". Specific organizations include the following:
Much publication about heavy equipment operators focuses on improving safety for such workers. The occupational medicine field researches and makes recommendations about safety for these and other workers in safety-sensitive positions. Hand signals are also important for machinery operators as it facilitates visual aid for safe work in spite of factors such as noise and a crowded environment.[3]
These subdivisions, in this order, are the standard heavy equipment categorization.
Tractor
Grader
Excavator
Backhoe
Timber
Pipelayer
Scraper
Mining
Articulated
Compactor
Loader
Track loader
Skid-steer loader
Material handler
Paving
Underground
Hydromatic tool
Highway