53-7041.00 · Task explorer
Hoist and Winch Operators: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 13 tasks, including 11 marked Core and 2 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2026.
13 tasks shown
Core · Task 4985 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
Core · Task 4981 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
Core · Task 4980 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
Core · Task 4987 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.
Core · Task 4990 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment, using hand tools.
Core · Task 4991 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Tend auxiliary equipment, such as jacks, slings, cables, or stop blocks, to facilitate moving items or materials for further processing.
Core · Task 4979 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Move levers, pedals, and throttles to stop, start, and regulate speeds of hoist or winch drums in response to hand, bell, buzzer, telephone, loud-speaker, or whistle signals, or by observing dial indicators or cable marks.
Core · Task 4984 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.
Core · Task 4983 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.
Core · Task 4986 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
Core · Task 4988 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Oil winch drums so that cables will wind smoothly.
Supplemental · Task 4982 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.
Supplemental · Task 4989 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Climb ladders to position and set up vehicle-mounted derricks.
Make the shortlist useful
- Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
- For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
- Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.
The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.
Keep your worksheet
Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.
Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.