Generally, material moving workers are classified into two groups, laborers and operators. The work of operators is to use machinery to move earth, construction materials, products, petroleum, and other heavy materials. Operators move materials around factories, construction sites, and warehouses.
Job Prospect
The work of operators is to control equipment by way of moving wheels, levers, operating switches, foot pedals, and turning dials. These workers may set up and supervise equipment, perform minor maintenance, and make adjustment.
Hand material movers and laborers move stock, freight, and other materials with hand, remove materials from machine, clean machinery and vehicles, pack materials and products, and remove equipment. Materials moving professionals are distinguished by the goods they handle or type of equipment they operate. Every piece equipment requires different skills.
Industrial tractor and truck operators control and drive industrial tractors or trucks that are equipped to move materials around storage yards, warehouses, construction sites, factories, and other worksite. An industrial truck is known as forklift or lift truck has a mechanism of hydraulic lifting and forks for moving large and heavy materials. An industrial tractor and truck operators operates tractors to pull trailers loaded with goods, materials, and equipment within warehouses and factories.
Dragline, loading machine, and excavating operators operate machinery that are equipped with shovels, buckets, and scoops to load and dig sand, earth, gravel, and similar materials onto conveyors or into trucks. Mining and construction industries hire the loading machine, excavation, and dragline operators. The work of dredge operators is to dig out waterways, remove gravel, rock, sand, and other materials from lakes, harbors, streams, and rivers.
Usually, dredges are used to maintain navigable channels. They are also used to reclaim land, restore wetlands, and construct and maintain beaches. The work of underground mining loading machine operators is to use underground loading machines to load ore, coal, and rock into mine and shuttles cars onto conveyors. Loading equipment may comprise of hoisting engines and power shovels equipped with scoops or cable drawn scrapers and machines equipped with collecting conveyors and arms.
Work Environment
Material moving work may be physically demanding and repetitive. Workers may need to move, lift, and carry heavy objects and kneel, stoop, crawl, crouch in awkward positions. Some of the workers have to work outdoors and at great height in all type of weather conditions. Many jobs expose workers to odors, fumes, dangerous machinery, harmful materials, and loud noises.
Material moving workers have to use safety devices in order to protect their respiratory systems, eyes, hearing, etc. They wear safety clothing such as hardhats, gloves, and respirators. These workers can avoid hazards by way of examining appropriate operating system and safety practices.
Generally, material movers work eight-hour shifts. Nevertheless, longer shifts are common. Sometimes, these workers have to perform their tasks overnight shifts. Some of the employers prefer overnight shifts because they do not want to disturb clients during their business hours. Recyclable and refuse material collectors, generally, begin their work from five or six in the morning.
Training and Educational Qualification
Several material moving professionals require little or no formal training. Many employers offer on-the-job training to new employees. The material moving profession requires physical exertion. Sometimes, employers may need candidates to pass a physical test. Employees may require taking drug testing or background checks.
Generally, material movers have to work under the direction of experienced workers. Candidates who have completed a high school diploma are preferred by the employers. Candidates who would like to get into this field need to have completed eighteen years of age and must be physically able to perform the work.
Workers who deal with dangerous equipment, industrial trucks, and toxic chemicals should receive special training in safety procedures and awareness. Some of the training requirements are regulated by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Generally, this training is provided by employers to novice workers. Employers must ensure that operators have received special training. They must assess each operator minimum once every three years.
There are some training and apprenticeship programs are available for workers who work with specialized loads and crane operators. These programs are offered by International Union of Operating Engineers. The apprenticeship program incorporates classroom instructions and paid on-the-job training.
Licensure
There are six cities and fifteen states require crane operators to be licensed. Typically, the licensing requirement encompasses a written test and skills test. The license is offered with the intention of proofing that the licensee can operate a crane safely.
Certification
A material moving operator needs the ability to judge distances, a good sense of balance, and eye-hand foot coordination. The job requires ability to read procedural manuals, basic arithmetic skills, ability to understand orders, and other billing documents. Training in diesel or automobile mechanics may be helpful to get into this field.
Advancement
Material moving workers who have gained extensive experience in this field may advance to assemblers, construction trade workers, motor vehicle operators, installers, repairers, and mobile equipment mechanics. Some of the workers may advance to supervisors.