The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 40,000 or so operators of cranes exist today. What is less documented is how many of those workers have received crane safety training or any other kind of heavy equipment training. Crane training programs are readily available and are highly encouraged to prevent falls and malfunctions with this equipment.
Heavy equipment training typically involves training on lifting slings, including chain slings, which are made of heavy duty alloy steel specifically for lifting heavy equipment. These slings usually are the top choice for dangerous and highly demanding operations like foundries and steel mills and where other kinds of slings could not get the job done. These slings are not to be confused with the other definition of chain, which refers to a measurement unit that once was used in surveying properties; for instance, ten chains constitutes a furlong and 80 constitute one statute mile.
Heavy equipment training also involves fall protection training so operators of cranes and other similar equipment and accessories like wire rope, which is made from multiple strands of steel wire that are twisted into the shape of a helix, can effectively do their jobs. By completing these classes involving safety training, heavy equipment operators can feel more closely connected to their jobs and can know more about their roles and what is expected of them at work. Many employers report that shortly after completing heavy equipment training their employees are more confident about their jobs, which aids in productivity.