A hoistman operates the heavy winching machinery that moves skips, cages, and materials up and down a vertical or inclined mine shaft. They sit in the hoistroom at the surface, relying on bell signals, radios, and depth indicators to position the conveyance precisely. The safety of every underground miner during shift changes rests entirely on their focus and smooth control of the brakes and throttles.
Tell the hoistman to hold the cage at level four while we load these drill rods.
A good hoistman prides themselves on stopping the cage perfectly flush with the station floor so miners do not have to step up or down in the dark.
Also heard as
- winder
- winding engineman
- Brakeman
Related terms
Cage
The primary elevator car used in vertical mine shafts.
Skip
A guided hoist container used to lift ore or waste rock out of a mine shaft.
Headframe
The structural frame above an underground mine shaft that supports the hoisting mechanism.
Hoistroom
The surface building or underground chamber that houses the winding engine and controls for a shaft conveyance.
Winder
A heavy-duty winch or engine used to raise and lower cages and skips in a mine shaft.