Crane Operator

Job Purpose

• To operate overhead cranes and other assigned lifting equipment safely and efficiently to lift, move, position and load materials within the factory,ensuring compliance with safety procedures and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate overhead cranes and other assigned crane equipment to lift, move, and position raw materials,finished products and other loads as required.
• Conduct pre-operation inspections of the crane,lifting accessories,controls,brakes,hooks, ropes, and safety devices before use.
• Ensure all loads are properly secured,balanced and within the crane's rated lifting capacity.
• Follow approved lifting procedures,safety instructions and designated lifting signals when handling loads.
• Coordinate with production,warehouse,maintenance and other relevant teams to ensure timely and efficient material movement.
• Maintain clear communication with riggers,signalers and other personnel during lifting operations.
• Keep lifting areas clear of unauthorized personnel and ensure loads are not moved over people.
• Report equipment defects,malfunctions,unsafe conditions and incidents immediately to the supervisor.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment inspections and operational issues as required.
• Keep the crane and surrounding work area clean and orderly.
• Comply with company safety policies and applicable occupational health and safety regulations.
• Be flexible and willing to work at the company's Factory in Kajiado whenever operational requirements necessitate.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• KCSE certificate or equivalent qualification.
• Relevant crane operation training and a valid operator's licence or certificate, as applicable to the equipment and Kenyan regulatory requirements.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience operating overhead cranes or similar lifting equipment in a factory, manufacturing, construction, or industrial environment.
• Knowledge of load limits, lifting procedures, workplace safety, and basic equipment inspection.
• Ability to interpret lifting signals and communicate effectively with ground personnel.
• Basic record-keeping skills and the ability to follow operating instructions.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong safety awareness and attention to detail.
• Good hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
• Ability to judge distances, load balance, and movement accurately.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliability, discipline, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Flexibility to work at different company locations, including the Miwani Factory in Kisumu, based on operational needs.

Working Conditions

• Factory and industrial working environment.
• Exposure to noise, dust, moving machinery, and heavy materials.
• May require shift work, overtime, and deployment to different factory locations, depending on operational needs.
• Must be physically and mentally fit to perform the essential duties safely.

Health, Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

• Follow all established occupational health and safety procedures.
• Never exceed the crane's rated capacity or operate defective equipment.
• Stop lifting operations whenever unsafe conditions arise.
• Participate in safety training, toolbox talks, and incident-prevention activities.
• Use the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.