Hoist and Winch Operators

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

• Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
• Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
• Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
• Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.
• Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment, using hand tools.
• Tend auxiliary equipment, such as jacks, slings, cables, or stop blocks, to facilitate moving items or materials for further processing.
• Move levers, pedals, and throttles to stop, start, and regulate speeds of hoist or winch drums in response to hand, bell, buzzer, telephone, loud-speaker, or whistle signals, or by observing dial indicators or cable marks.
• Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.
• Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.
• Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
• Oil winch drums so that cables will wind smoothly.
• Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.