Skills for Success Summary
Skills for Success are needed in a quickly changing world for work, learning and life. They are foundational for building other skills and important for effective social interaction. Everyone benefits from having these skills as they help individuals get a job, progress at their current job and change jobs. They also help individuals become active members of their community and succeed in learning.
Through extensive research and consultations, the Government of Canada launched the new Skills for Success model renewing the previous Essential Skills framework to better reflect the needs of the current and future labour market.
The summary presented here is based on existing Essential Skills profiles and will be updated to align with the new Skills for Success model over time.
Reading
In their daily work, tower crane operators read and comprehend several types of text. These include safety and work procedures as well as more complex regulations and manufacturers’ operating manuals.
Document Use
Tower crane operators use workplace documents such as logbooks, load charts, lift plans, hazard assessments and workplace policies and procedures to carry out their job. They must be familiar with regulations relating to hoisting, rigging and safe work environments. They must have the ability to read and interpret manufacturers’ specifications and load charts for the model of crane they are using. Depending on site-specific requirements, they may obtain information from engineered and construction drawings and plans such as climbing schematics and schedules.
Writing
Tower crane operators use writing skills to record comments or notes in logbooks or work records. They write messages to colleagues or management to give work details or reply to requests for technical information. They may also write longer descriptions and explanations for various reporting and data collection forms.
Communication
Tower crane operators use oral communication skills to coordinate work with site crews. Clear communication of technical and complex information is very important to avoid injuries and promote efficiency. Tower crane operators also use communication skills instructing apprentices, co-workers and on-site work crews. Good listening and visual skills are also required to communicate with riggers, signallers and other operators during lifts. Tower crane operators use verbal communication (directly or by radio) and hand signals to communicate the pace of lift movements and precise positioning of loads.
Numeracy
Tower crane operators use a range of math skills in their daily work. These include mathematical and physics concepts such as conversions, geometry, algebraic calculations, measurement and calculating load and lift requirements. They use load charts and manufacturers’ specifications to further determine procedures, limits, and the necessary equipment for rigging and hoisting.
Thinking
Tower crane operators must use decision making skills to perform work planning and prioritizing. The decisions they make about the sequence of work have implications for everyone on site. Tower crane operators require strong analytical skills to effectively use their equipment.
Tower crane operators use problem solving skills to choose set-up locations and crane configurations for specific jobs. During lifts, tower crane operators make operational decisions to start, stop and vary the speed and direction of lifts to ensure safe movement and placement of a load. They evaluate the safety of lifts before and during lifts and stop work if necessary.
Working with Others
To be effective, tower crane operators must establish close and ongoing job-task coordination with other workers on the job site. They work closely with clients and co-workers to plan lifts and ensure that their activities are coordinated with those of on-site crews. The operator may be located high in the operator’s cab and physically removed from their co workers; however, they are in close communication with riggers, signallers and supervisors to coordinate lifts and load placements. Tower crane operators work in close coordination with other operators when performing multiple crane lifts and when in proximity with other cranes and heavy equipment.
Digital Technology
Tower crane operators are increasingly required to interpret electronic data transmitted to them from load moment indicators (LMI), anemometers and electronic scales located on remote controls or in the cab of the crane. Controls for the tower crane may also involve computerized applications. They should familiarize themselves with digital technology used on cranes such as zone control, anti-collision devices and camera systems.
Continuous Learning
As construction methods and crane technology advance, tower crane operators must keep abreast of these developments. Regulatory changes may require additional certification such as for service work, erection and climbing, and ongoing learning to ensure compliance and safe working conditions.