What Is a Crane Rigger?
The construction industry is full of highly technical jobs, each held by a person with a certain specialized set of skills. From an outside perspective, it can all be a bit confusing. What kind of machinery does a heavy equipment operator use? What’s the difference between operating a mobile crane and a stationary one? What is a crane rigger, and how is the job different from a crane operator’s?
At West Coast Training, we have plenty of experience easing people into the world of heavy equipment. As a leading school in the field, we’ve helped people make their first forays into the industry for decades. Just because you might not know what a crane rigger is now doesn’t mean you can’t someday be one yourself.
What Does a Crane Rigger Do?
If you’re curious to know what a crane rigger is, you need to understand what kind of work they do. In short, a crane rigger is responsible for overseeing the operation of a crane. That may sound like the crane operator’s department, and there are people out there who are certified to work in both jobs, but actually, the positions have very different responsibilities.
While the crane operator is sitting behind the controls of the crane itself, the rigger is on the ground directing the work. They are the ones who set up the pulleys and cables for the crane as well as ensure that the loads are properly secured. When it’s time to actually get the load from one place to another, they coordinate communication with the rest of their team to safely transport it.
Crane riggers also stay vigilant for any risks or hazards that might be present, both in preparation for and during crane operation. At the end of the day, they also maintain and store rigging equipment once a job is done, making sure it’s properly cared for. Because working with heavy machinery like a crane can be incredibly dangerous, a crane rigger is crucial to keeping everyone around it as safe as possible. With their oversight and attention to detail, the job can continue on without endangering anyone on-site.
Becoming a Crane Rigger
Being a crane rigger comes with a lot of responsibility, but it can also be a very rewarding career. Their skillset is always in demand, making anyone trained in the field a highly desirable employee. If the thought of picking up a skill and getting out of the cubicle sounds like a sweet deal, you may be happy becoming a crane rigger.
When you’re ready to take the leap and start down the road to your new profession, we’ll be here to help. It’s our mission to help prepare the next generation of heavy equipment operators not just to get their next job, but to lay the foundations for a long and happy career. With a rigorous curriculum, hands-on classes, and passionate instructors, we can provide our students with a top-notch education. So, what is a crane rigger? With enough hard work, it could very well be you.