Overview
Construction laborers perform a variety of tasks at construction sites, ranging from digging trenches for pipes and wires to mixing and pouring cement and asphalt for building foundations and roadways. Their work consists mainly of manual labor, but also involves working with construction machinery and power and hand tools. In some cases, construction laborers may also support contractors and other craft workers throughout the construction process.
Duties
Clean and Prepare Construction Sites
- Construction workers ensure that job sites are prepared for work by removing debris either by hand or using machinery and tools. They may clear brush and small trees from a site, haul stone away from dig sites, or remove large pieces of debris that would cause delays or hazards. Laborers also construct temporary structures, such as scaffolding, to ensure that workers can access all areas of the site.
Load and Unload Supplies
- Construction laborers load and unload construction supplies on the job site. They may deliver a truckload of cinderblocks for a foundation, for example, or a pallet of lumber. Additionally, many construction laborers load and unload equipment and fixtures on job sites. For a residential project, this may include placing equipment such as dishwashers and refrigerators in a completed kitchen, while for other projects this can involve setting water heaters and furnaces in place.
Excavate and Dig Trenches
- Excavation is another duty of many construction laborers. Using hand tools, such as shovels and picks, as well as large machinery, such as excavators and backhoes, construction laborers remove dirt and rocks from sites to prepare them for foundation construction. They may also dig trenches for drainage, electrical piping, and other utility lines on new construction sites, which frequently occurs before any other work on the site.
Maintain Site Safety
- Construction laborers also help maintain site safety throughout the construction process by maintaining equipment, clearing dangerous debris from the site, and cleaning up materials that contractors leave behind. This is especially true for construction laborers who work on demolition projects and roadwork, where remaining materials can present hazards to workers and others.
Provide Contractor Support
- Some construction laborers also work closely with subcontractors, such as plumbers, framers, and electricians. While some of the laborer's work supports these activities (such as digging trenches for wiring or helping set a furnace in place), there are occasions where the laborer provides additional support. While these tasks can vary from situation to situation, laborers often need to jump in to lend a hand while on-site.
Qualification
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous experience in construction or a related field
- Good physical condition to handle heavy lifting, standing for long periods, and performing manual labor.
- Knowledge of safety protocols is essential.
- Certifications like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) may be required.
- Ability to use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively.
- Strong ability to work as part of a team on various construction projects.
- Understanding measurements and calculations for materials.
- Ability to troubleshoot minor issues on the job site.
- Good verbal communication skills to follow instructions and report issues.