What is a Construction Craft Laborer?
Construction Craft Laborers are the most diverse and versatile professionals in the construction trades. They are able to perform an array of skills and take part in every type of project. All other trade professionals depend on Laborers for their multifaceted array of skills and experience.
The word labor or laborer is often used generically in our English language to describe any number of workers in a number of industries but he term laborer belies the complex and critical functions Construction Craft Laborers perform and their skills with high tech equipment.
Construction laborers can be found on almost all construction sites performing a wide range of tasks from the very easy to the potentially hazardous. They can be found at commercial building sites, highway and heavy construction sites, tunnel and shaft excavations sites and demolition sites. While most construction laborers specialize in a type of construction, such as highway or tunnel construction, some are generalists who perform many different tasks during all stages of construction. Construction laborers, who work in underground construction, such as in tunnels, or in demolition are more likely to specialize in only those areas.
Construction laborers clean and prepare construction sites. They tend pumps, compressors and generators, and set forms for concrete. They erect and disassemble scaffolding and other temporary structures. They load, unload, identify, and distribute building materials to the appropriate location according to project plans and specifications. Laborers also pour and finish concrete or tend machines that pump concrete, grout, cement, sand, plaster, or stucco through a spray gun for application to ceilings and walls. They often help other craftworkers, including carpenters, plasterers, operating engineers, and masons.
Construction laborers are responsible for oversight of the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices and patterns. At highway construction sites, this work may include clearing and preparing highway work zones and rights of way; installing traffic barricades, cones, and markers; and controlling traffic passing near, in, and around work zones. Construction Laborers install sewer, water, and storm drain pipes, and place concrete and asphalt on roads. Other highly specialized tasks include operating laser guidance equipment to place pipes, operate air, electric, and pneumatic drills and transporting and setting explosives for tunnel, shaft, and road construction.
Construction Laborers safely sample, identify, handle, pack and transport hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, radioactive waste and other potentially harmful materials. Laborers also clean, decontaminate equipment, buildings and other enclosed structures.
Construction laborers operate a variety of equipment including pavement breakers, jackhammers, earth tampers, concrete, mortar, and plaster mixers, electric and hydraulic boring machines, torches, mechanical hoists, rigging, laser beam equipment, and surveying and measuring equipment. They may use computers and other high-tech input devices to control robotic pipe cutters and cleaners. To perform their jobs effectively, construction laborers must be familiar with the duties of other craftworkers and with the materials, tools, and machinery they use.
Construction laborers often work as part of a team with other skilled craftworkers, jointly carrying out assigned construction tasks. At other times, construction laborers may work alone, reading and interpreting instructions, plans, and specifications with little or no supervision.
Most laborers do physically demanding work. They may lift and carry heavy objects, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in awkward positions. Some work at great heights, or outdoors in all weather conditions. Some jobs expose workers to harmful materials or chemicals, fumes, odors, loud noise, or dangerous machinery. Some laborers may be exposed to lead-based paint, asbestos, or other hazardous substances during their work especially when working in confined spaces. Safety is the number one priority on all job sites and Laborers are taught and consistently reminded to strictly follow and adhear to all safety standards. All workers in these jobs wear safety clothing, such as gloves, hardhats, protective chemical suits, and devices to protect their eyes, respiratory system, or hearing.
