COMANCO Employees Put Heavy Equipment Skills to the Test at Ring Power
A heavy equipment operator’s first important decision happens before the machine ever moves.
During a recent heavy equipment training program, COMANCO employees faced equipment with intentionally placed deficiencies. Their job was to find each potential hazard during the pre-operation inspection. Only then could they move forward with the operating evaluation.
The exercise reinforced an essential lesson. Safe equipment operation depends on more than technical ability behind the controls. It also requires awareness, sound judgment, and the willingness to stop when something does not look right.
COMANCO employees Carlos Lopez Nieto, Miguel Ruiz, Edwin Hamid Velez Lopez, Kevin Javier Palacios Orochena, and Pastor A. Rodriguez Hernandez recently put those skills to the test. They completed two days of training at Ring Power in Riverview, Florida.
Building Knowledge Before Entering the Field
Instructors Blake Conwell and Jose Valdes led the two-day training. The program combined classroom instruction, simulator exercises, equipment inspections, and hands-on field evaluations.
The first day focused on the knowledge operators need before starting a machine. Employees reviewed safe operating practices, common jobsite hazards, and the purpose of a thorough pre-operation inspection.
An effective inspection involves more than following a checklist. Operators must understand each machine and recognize conditions that could affect its safe operation. They also need to know when a concern requires further evaluation.
Finding a damaged component or other potential hazard before operation can prevent an incident, equipment damage, or an unexpected delay.
After the classroom portion, employees practiced with heavy equipment simulators. The simulators let participants apply what they learned in a controlled setting. They practiced equipment movements, reinforced safe habits, and prepared for the field exercises ahead.
Putting Heavy Equipment Training Into Practice
On the second day, the training moved to Ring Power’s dedicated field training area.
The training grounds included slopes and job-related scenarios that reflected conditions operators may encounter on an active construction site. Before operating the equipment, each employee had to complete a detailed inspection.
Instructors had intentionally added equipment deficiencies and potential hazards for participants to identify. This challenged employees to slow down, pay attention, and demonstrate their understanding of the inspection process.
The exercise also showed why inspections should never become routine paperwork. Operators must approach every inspection with focus, even when they have worked with the same type of equipment for years.
Once participants completed their inspections, they moved into hands-on operating exercises. The field evaluation allowed them to demonstrate equipment control, decision-making, and safe operating practices in realistic conditions.
Making Safety Training Accessible
Jose provided Spanish translation throughout both days of training. This allowed COMANCO’s Spanish-speaking employees to participate fully in classroom discussions and field instruction.
Clear communication is especially important when training covers equipment hazards and safe operating procedures. Employees need to understand the information well enough to ask questions and apply it independently.
Providing instruction in a language employees fully understand supports stronger engagement and better knowledge retention. Most importantly, it helps ensure that every participant receives the same critical safety information.
Supporting Operators at Every Experience Level
Experienced operators bring valuable field knowledge to heavy equipment training. Formal evaluations allow them to validate those skills while identifying areas for continued improvement.
Developing operators benefit in a different way. They can build confidence and practice safe habits in a controlled environment before facing similar challenges on an active jobsite.
Both groups benefit from realistic scenarios that require them to think beyond basic machine operation. The goal is not only to operate the equipment effectively. It is also to recognize hazards, protect nearby employees, and make sound decisions as conditions change.
Continued Training Builds Safer Jobsites
COMANCO recognizes Carlos, Miguel, Edwin, Kevin, and Pastor for dedicating two days to their continued development. Their participation reflects the importance of remaining open to learning at every stage of a construction career.
We also appreciate Blake and Jose for providing practical instruction and creating an engaging learning environment.
Heavy equipment may be powerful, but safe operation ultimately depends on the person behind the controls. Continued heavy equipment training helps operators sharpen their skills, strengthen their judgment, and contribute to safer jobsites.
SAFETY ★ QUALITY ★ SERVICE
COMANCO is an environmental, commercial, and civil construction company specializing in constructing containment facilities.
COMANCO supports employees through hands-on training opportunities that strengthen their skills and promote safer jobsites. Whether you are an experienced construction professional or ready to develop new skills, you can build your career with a team committed to safety, quality, and continued growth. Visit our Careers Page to explore current opportunities and apply today.
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📞 (813) 988-8829
🌐www.comanco.com