What does a crane supervisor do?

2 Lifting operation planning

A crane supervisor plans the lifting operations according to the project specifications, the site conditions, and the crane capabilities. They conduct risk assessments, identify hazards, and implement control measures to prevent accidents or injuries. They also prepare lift plans, which detail the load characteristics, the crane configuration, the rigging equipment, the lifting sequence, and the emergency procedures. A crane supervisor reviews and approves the lift plans, and ensures they are followed by the crew and documented properly.

3 Crane equipment inspection

A crane supervisor inspects the crane equipment before, during, and after each lifting operation, and ensures it is in good working order and meets the regulatory and contractual requirements. They check the crane components, such as the boom, the hook, the cables, the brakes, and the controls, for any defects, damages, or wear and tear. They also inspect the rigging equipment, such as the slings, chains, shackles, and hooks, for any cracks, corrosion, or deformation. A crane supervisor records and reports any faults or malfunctions, and arranges for repairs or replacements as needed.

4 Safety and quality compliance

A crane supervisor ensures that the crane operations comply with the safety and quality standards set by the relevant authorities, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They enforce the safety rules and regulations, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the clearance of obstacles and overhead power lines, and the maximum load capacity and wind speed limits. They also monitor the quality of the lifting operations, and ensure they meet the client expectations and specifications. A crane supervisor audits and evaluates the crane operations, and identifies and implements improvements or corrective actions as necessary.

5 Skills and qualifications

To become a crane supervisor, one typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, and several years of experience as a crane operator or rigger. They also need to obtain a crane operator certification from an accredited organization, such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), or a state-specific license. Additionally, they may need to complete a crane supervisor training course, which covers topics such as crane safety, lift planning, crane inspection, crew management, and communication skills. A crane supervisor should also have strong technical, mechanical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, as well as leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.

6 Challenges and opportunities

A crane supervisor faces various challenges and opportunities in their role. Some of the challenges include working in harsh weather conditions, handling complex or heavy loads, dealing with tight deadlines or budget constraints, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the crew and the public. Some of the opportunities include advancing to higher positions, such as crane manager or site manager, working on diverse and exciting projects, such as bridges, skyscrapers, or wind turbines, and earning a competitive salary and benefits package.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?