Construction Worker
What is a construction worker?
A construction worker is anyone professionally engaged in building sites or their restoration or renovation. Though the term is quite broad and can also include professionals involved in planning a construction project, it is often primarily used for workers who perform manual labor at the construction site.
What types of construction workers are there?
The workers’ roles depend on their abilities, experience, and skills. Many workers are very versatile and can undertake entire projects, and specialized individuals work with construction teams to meet specific needs. Some construction workers include:
- Masons and their assistants usually take care of excavation and setting the foundations, mixing concrete, putting up scaffolding and walls, installing windows, doors, and ceilings, transporting materials, disposing of debris and other waste, and so on.
- Operators are qualified to drive machinery such as cranes, excavators, backhoe loaders, steamrollers, and more.
- Welders are in charge of cutting and welding beams and metal parts.
- Plumbers specialize in the installation and maintenance of water systems for the consumption and maintenance of wastewater.
- Carpenters handle aspects related to wood.
- Electricians are responsible for carrying out the electrical installations.
The versatility and specificity of construction workers will depend on the project; in addition to the aforementioned trades, this may require employing other craftspeople and specialists in various materials.
Construction workers not only work in building housing but in all kinds of structures, both public and private, such as roads, aqueducts, dams, power plants, etc.
What safety measures should a construction worker follow?
Construction is one of the industrial sectors with the most occupational accidents due to the dangers that are associated with the activity due to its very nature. To minimize accidents as much as possible, all possible safety measures should be implemented, such as:
- Wearing appropriate attire for the work to be done, such as a helmet, safety glasses, hearing protection, a face mask, gloves, safety boots, a jacket, etc.
- Not operating machinery or using dangerous tools under the effects of medicines or other narcotic substances.
- Checking the condition of equipment, tools, machinery, and scaffolding before starting operation.
- Possessing sufficient knowledge regarding the equipment and materials to be used, as well as the risks they may entail.
- Knowing first-aid measures related to possible accidents at the construction site.
