Bricklayer

What is a construction laborer?

A construction laborer is someone who does many basic tasks that require physical work on construction sites.

What does a construction laborer do?

A construction laborer works on construction sites, doing a wide range of tasks. Although many of the tasks require a bit of training and experience, most jobs generally require little skill and can be learned quickly.

Some tasks a construction laborer may perform:

• Cleans and prepares construction sites by removing debris and potential hazards.
• Loads or unloads the construction materials that will be used in construction.
• Builds or takes apart supports, barricades, scaffolding and temporary structures.
• Digs trenches, fills holes, or compacts earth to prepare for construction.
• Prepares the equipment and machines used in construction, such as concrete mixers.

Construction laborers perform a variety of construction-related activities during all phases. Although most are generalists, many others specialize. For example, those who operate the machines and equipment that lay concrete or asphalt on roads.

Some specialties:

• Construction of homes and businesses.
• Demolishing buildings.
• Removal of hazardous materials.
• Construction of highways and roads.
• Excavating tunnels and mine shafts.

Construction workers use a variety of tools and equipment. Some tools are simple, such as brooms and shovels; other equipment is more sophisticated, such as pavement crushers, jackhammers and surveying equipment.
With special training, workers can help transport and use explosives or use hydraulic drilling machines to excavate tunnels. They can learn to use laser equipment to lay pipes and use computers to control robotic pipe cutters. They can become certified to remove asbestos, lead or chemicals.

Construction workers help other workers, such as electricians and carpenters, with a variety of basic tasks. They may carry tools and materials or help set up equipment. For example, they may work with cement masons to move and set forms. Others may help take apart equipment, cleaning sites and removing debris.

What is a construction laborer's workplace like?

Most do physically demanding work. Some work at great heights or outdoors in all weather conditions. Some may be required to work in tunnels. They must use earplugs around noisy equipment and wear gloves, safety glasses and other protective equipment.

What is dangerous about a bricklayer's work?

• Falls from elevated surfaces (elevated floors, verandas/surfaces without railing, etc.); falls into an open basement, well or pit, etc., while working or visiting construction sites;
• Slips, trips and falls on the level;
• Being struck by falling objects;
• Stepping on sharp objects; colliding with sharp and/or protruding objects;
• Being struck by mechanized engineering equipment in the workplace;
• Eye injuries caused by stone and metal chips/rocks produced in demolition, drilling, cutting and similar operations;
• Skin inflammation and risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (EPOC), as a result of contact/inhalation of cement and construction dust;
• Stepping on sharp objects; colliding with sharp and/or protruding objects;
• Musculoskeletal system injury, as a result of working posture, heavy lifting, repetitive stress, overpressure of the joints, etc.

The most common causes of fall accidents are poor lighting, loose floors, uneven steps, poor housekeeping and lack of safety features. 

Serious hazards on construction sites can be prevented. Workers can do simple things to prevent falls on construction sites, such as

• Use the appropriate safety equipment;
• Keep the workplace surface clean;
• Wear appropriate footwear;
• Follow basic safety rules;
• Use a harness when working at height;
• Wear a helmet;
• Wear safety glasses when exposed to bright light;
• Mark off hazardous areas to prevent falls;
• Make sure skylights and ceiling lights are fitted with safety glass;
• Walk on flat and level surfaces;
• Avoid walking in areas with insufficient lighting.

In short, construction workers use a wide variety of tools and equipment. Some tools are simple, like brooms and shovels; other equipment is more sophisticated, like pavement breakers, jackhammers, and surveying equipment. With special training, construction workers can also perform tasks that require a high level of physical strength, like lifting large objects. However, the tasks they routinely perform are usually simple and repetitive, like digging trenches, laying bricks, and pouring concrete.