These supervisors ensure that workers, equipment, and materials are used properly and efficiently to maximize productivity. They are often responsible for very expensive and complex equipment or systems. Supervisors make sure machinery is set up correctly and schedule or perform repairs and maintenance work. Supervisors create work schedules, keep production and employee records, monitor employees and ensure that work is done correctly and on time. They organize the workers' activities and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that work continues uninterrupted.
Supervisors also train new workers and ensure the existence of a safe working environment.
Toolpushers or gang pushers are the common terms used to describe blue-collar supervisors in the oil drilling business. Regardless of industry setting or job title, a supervisor's primary responsibility is to ensure that the work gets done. The way supervisors accomplish this task, however, is changing in some organizations. In companies that have restructured their operations for maximum efficiency, supervisors use computers to schedule work flow, monitor the quality of their workers' output, keep track of materials used, update their inventory control system, and perform other supervisory tasks. New management philosophies emphasize fewer levels of management and greater employee power and decision making.