Meet Cecil “Rabbit” Howell, Crane Operator.

Cecil Howell, known by most as “Rabbit”, plays an integral role in the construction of the new Mercy Health – West Hospital, from 160 feet in the air.

As a Crane Operator, Cecil is responsible for moving heavy materials, such as steel, plywood, concrete blocks, cages and more to help build the new hospital. Having been in the construction business for more than 37 years, Cecil is no stranger to the staggering heights and small area from which he operates.

At the start of each day – around 6:45 a.m. – Cecil begins his ascent on the 160-foot crane until he reaches his cab – a 42” x 60” area where he controls the crane. Once Cecil reaches the top of the crane, he never descends until his day is complete. “I am typically in the crane for eight to ten hours a day,” Cecil explains, “unless we have winds exceeding 30 miles an hour or a lightning storm. Then I come down immediately. Otherwise I don’t leave the crane until the day is over.”

After graduating from high school in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Avondale, Cecil knew he wanted to enter the construction business. He completed an apprenticeship program through a local union hall, and started building immediately. Cecil became a crane operator after working as an oiler on a crane, helping to maintain the daily operations. Cecil now pays it forward by helping oilers and other construction workers learn the skills of crane operating, so they, too, can someday be in his “lofty” position.

Construction sites are always busy and it takes a great deal of coordination to get the job done, “which is why it is so important to learn how to work well with others and be calm,” says Cecil. “Communicating well and learning to work effectively with others are the keys to success to this – and any – job.”

When a building or site is complete, Cecil feels a great deal of satisfaction and accomplishment. He is excited to see the progress of the new Mercy Health – West Hospital, and looks forward to walking through its hallways with his grandchildren to reflect on his personal contribution to the hospital’s mission of healing.

Cecil "Rabbit" Howell, Crane Operator

See how Cecil starts each morning.