What Is a Construction Hoist?

A construction hoist, also known as a construction elevator, is a temporary lifting device used on construction sites to transport workers, materials, and equipment vertically. It plays a vital role in high-rise building projects, bridges, industrial plants, and other large-scale construction works.

Unlike permanent elevators installed in finished buildings, construction hoists are designed specifically for use during the construction phase. They are usually mounted on the outside of a building or structure and move along a vertical mast. The hoist cage or platform travels up and down the mast, powered by an electric motor and controlled by a reliable operating system.

Construction hoists are built to handle heavy loads and harsh working conditions. They can carry multiple workers at the same time or transport large quantities of materials such as concrete, steel, tools, and prefabricated components. Safety is a key consideration in their design, and modern construction hoists are equipped with safety devices such as overload protection, emergency brakes, limit switches, and interlocking doors.

Using a construction hoist greatly improves efficiency on a job site. It reduces the time and physical effort required to move people and materials to higher levels, which helps speed up construction progress and lower labor costs. At the same time, it enhances workplace safety by minimizing manual lifting and reducing the risk of accidents.

In short, if you see a tall tower on a construction site with a box moving up and down carrying workers, that's a construction hoist.