Industrial Machine Operators
Overview
Industrial machine operators run specialized equipment that crushes, grinds, and polishes various materials like coal, glass, food products, and stone. They monitor computerized systems to ensure materials flow properly, perform quality checks to meet strict standards, and maintain equipment for safe operation. This hands-on role combines technical skills with attention to detail, often in manufacturing plants where teamwork and following safety protocols are essential. Many operators learn through on-the-job training or technical programs that teach machinery operation and industrial safety.
Did you know?
Crushing machine operators must adhere to strict OSHA safety regulations and complete comprehensive safety training due to the high-risk nature of operating heavy industrial machinery.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$48,231.06 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Negotiation
Key Responsibilities
- Add or mix chemicals and ingredients for processing, using hand tools or other devices.
- Notify supervisors of needed repairs.
- Examine materials, ingredients, or products, visually or with hands, to ensure conformance to established standards.
- Clean work areas.
- Observe operation of equipment to ensure continuity of flow, safety, and efficient operation, and to detect malfunctions.
- Reject defective products and readjust equipment to eliminate problems.
- Dislodge and clear jammed materials or other items from machinery and equipment, using hand tools.
- Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products at specified intervals to ensure conformance to requirements.
- Read work orders to determine production specifications and information.
- Set mill gauges to specified fineness of grind.
- Record data from operations, testing, and production on specified forms.
- Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory testing.
- Test samples of materials or products to ensure compliance with specifications, using test equipment.
- Turn valves to regulate the moisture contents of materials.
- Tend accessory equipment, such as pumps and conveyors, to move materials or ingredients through production processes.
- Inspect chains, belts, or scrolls for signs of wear.
- Mark bins as to types of mixtures stored.
- Clean, adjust, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
- Load materials into machinery and equipment, using hand tools.
- Move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment that crushes, grinds, polishes, or blends materials.
- Transfer materials, supplies, and products between work areas, using moving equipment and hand tools.
Career Considerations
Safety Compliance and Training
Crushing machine operators must adhere to strict OSHA safety regulations and complete comprehensive safety training due to the high-risk nature of operating heavy industrial machinery.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The role requires physical stamina, ability to lift heavy materials, and tolerance for working in noisy, dusty industrial environments for extended periods.
Industry Certification Requirements
Many employers require specialized equipment certifications or apprenticeship completion, with opportunities for advancement through additional technical training programs.