Facts of Becoming a Construction Worker
View of a profession varies from country to country. There are countries who give high regard to construction workers while there are some who consider this profession as a blue collar job or a second rate. However people look at it, being in the world of construction in the real sense of it is dignified. Workers have the chance of using their hands in a creative manner. Be it building houses, constructing huge buildings or making cabinets, the art of creating something is what makes it vital. They pride themselves in having entire commitment to excellence in design and management of the construction process which is reflected in outstanding designs no matter how large or small.
The demand in this trade depends first and foremost on the level of construction, modification and modernization activity in a particular place. Household growth in the coming years will increase the demand for residential construction, increasing numbers of settlers will generate demand for homes, rental apartments and hotels. As for nonresidential construction; schools, markets, malls, healthcare facilities, churches and other infrastructures are necessary to meet the need of the community in all aspect. The bigger the population in a particular city or country has, the more job opportunities there are for the construction workers.
Factors in a construction worker’s rate or salary are; education, experience, type of work, complexity of the construction project, and geographic location.
Aside from short courses or training needed to be able to become a construction worker, they need not to master a degree or earn a doctorate to specialize in this industry. But these basic requirements must be met; skill training; at least 18 years of age, and the most important is to maintain good physical condition. Since this kind of job is so physical; general construction workers must undergo training from an experienced worker.
The training includes becoming familiar with necessary tools for the job, how to use them and safety especially when in the site. With a solid network of industry professionals, suppliers, builders and construction workers, clients can ensure that the highest standard is sustained throughout the entire process from concept to completion however big or small the project maybe.
Though branded as a second rate profession, being a construction worker can de as dignified as any line of work depending on how it was perceived and done by the worker itself.
The construction site manager
Constantly something is being built or renovated wherever we look. In the construction site a manager is an individual who is solely responsible for the overall success of a project. Being a construction manager is hard but a rewarding career. Construction project managers are jack of all trades and they’re the whole and sole of a construction site. If you have interest in becoming a construction project manager, you should take a closer look at what the job entails.
A construction manager is responsible for a multitude of tasks. One specific duty which a construction manager must complete is to look over a proposed project to determine what necessary jobs need to be completed prior to beginning the project. The construction manager must review the project in depth so that he will thoroughly understand what will be needed.
A construction site is a mass of a large number of entities working separately to achieve similar objectives. The main task of a construction project manager is to make all these entities work in harmony so that all tasks are finished timely. A project manager has to estimate the time of each of the tasks and coordinate different groups so that there can be a maximum utilization of the human resource at disposal. A project manager having the ability to manage all crews effectively helps in saving lots of time and costs for his company.
In most cases it is rare that you’ll find a construction project manager sitting idle, without any plans. They’re always on their toes, moving on to next assignments, duties, tasks until the project is completed. Project managers are aware of all the planning and strategies which have to be used to complete the task. In case, they find discrepancies or errors in the execution of planning, they may direct the team heads to make any changes.
Some construction project managers are salaried employees of a construction firm while others contract and work for themselves. They come from a range of educational backgrounds. While some went to college and received certifications, others started as construction workers and rose to management positions through field experience.
Although construction project managers often work out of an office, they do visit job sites to make sure that the work progresses according to plan. They also work with many other professionals such as developers, architects and specialty trade contractors such as plumbers, carpenters and painters.
So, are you getting what does a construction project manager do at the construction sites? He is the individual who has a deep understanding of the basics of work, he knows the estimated time a task takes to be completed and he recommends changes in working methods that he believes are needed for the success of the project.
A construction manager wears many hats. This is an interesting job as it requires a multitude of talents to carry out such a role. An individual who will lead his workers to complete the job correctly will surely succeed in this kind of field
Scaffolding in a construction site
Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. It is usually a modular system of metal pipes or tubes, although it can be made out of other materials.
Now that high-rise skyscrapers for businesses and private dwellings have become so commonplace, it’s important for construction site managers to make sure their workers stay safe while working far above the ground. Whether a building has to be constructed or repaired, scaffolding is mandatory.
Every year, about 300 construction workers die due to falls while working. These deaths account for almost one-third of all construction-site fatalities each year. While these numbers may sound high, they’re actually quite accurate, given the fact that about 65% of all construction workers spend part of their time working on scaffolding. Last year’s study found that many workers who’ve suffered scaffolding injuries blame them on either being struck by a falling object while working or unstable scaffolding planks and supports.
When scaffolds are not erected or used properly, fall hazards can occur. About 2.3 million construction workers frequently work on scaffolds. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent an estimated 4,500 injuries and 50 fatalities each year.
Scaffold must be sound, rigid and sufficient to carry its own weight plus four times the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. It must be erected on solid footing. Unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks must not be used to support scaffolds or planks.
Scaffold must not be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of a competent person. It must be equipped with guardrails, midrails and toeboards. Accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs or ladders that are damaged or weakened from any cause must be immediately repaired or replaced. Scaffold platforms must be tightly planked with scaffold plank grade material or equivalent.
An experienced and competent person must inspect the scaffolding at designated intervals. Rigging on suspension scaffolds must be inspected by a skilled person before each shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity to ensure that all connections are tight and that no damage to the rigging has occurred since its last use.
Synthetic and natural rope used in suspension scaffolding must be protected from heat-producing sources. Employees must be instructed about the hazards of using diagonal braces as fall protection. Scaffold can be accessed by using ladders and stairwells. It must be at least 10 feet from electric power lines at all times.
Construction businesses will no doubt be interested in cheap scaffolding but they need to ensure that ‘cheap’ does not mean unsafe. The safety of the workmen carrying out of the tasks to the elevated levels above the ground must also be assured when you set up reinforcements of support. The regular monitoring and the control running of these reinforcements cannot be neglected.
Any time a construction worker uses scaffolding, certain safety measures need to be taken. Property owners and contractors are responsible for making sure that these safety precautions are actually followed. Remember that safety is vital.
When to Rise up Buildings follows demand of work
Due to wide expansion and vast growth of our economy, transitions of rising towers, buildings, and other architectural crafts are evolving rapidly. Increasing demands from skilful workers are mounting to numbers of men ranging from basic to complex needs. Vigorous employees are required to the physical heaviness of the job. Service in exchange of appropriate compensation makes the equilibrium of men to work. Of course, construction site managers should never be lenient in the proper monitoring of gears, uniform, tools, and other safety gadgets before, during, and after the construction jobs.
Risks are possible and near the job site, that’s why discipline and precaution is absolutely present for the total safety and security of the workers. Extensive training requires every worker for the guaranteed awareness and protection of construction workers. These construction personnel are heroes to their own families because of their determination and hardwork to perform their jobs. Imagine the possibility of being inclined to any unforeseen incident at the job sites. Remember no matter how big or small the areas of the job, they are simply like the pieces of puzzle you need to gather together to make an amazing image of your art.
Behaviors of construction workers vary from a broad combination of good and not so good. However, leaders among different groups should find way how to persuade their members toward a common goal. Division of work is subdivided into categories which one belongs. Usually, there are about horizontal and vertical flow of procedure in following chain of commands. This simply shows the direction where to lead the path; as well as to illustrate the areas of your concern that simply required attending.
The rising up of towers and other architectural crafts symbolizes the growth of a place and the demands of manpower follows. It is usually the chain reaction of circumstances and things that begin, process, and accomplish until to the end.
Most of the good construction workers tend to take care of their health and assure the proper restoration of physical weariness and fatigue. The primary investment of construction workers are their strength and vigorous ability in performing their jobs. Discipline and attitude makes a good worker toward the job that demands so much physical and mental abilities.
Construction jobs are not limited to plan, design, perspective view, but the real output of one’s imaginative concept that pictures his great masterpiece at all times. Responsible staff would make the completion of physical and visual artwork. Regardless of any position or title or work, what makes a real contribution to the rising art makes your history crafted in the pillars of the rising towers. So make a good habit of becoming participant and cooperative.
Health matters in the construction site
Nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation on any given day. The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all industries. Health and safety is relevant to all businesses. So, if you are an employer or are self employed you are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of employees and any others who may be affected by what you do. This includes employees, casual or part time workers, trainees, customers, neighbors, sales people and members of the public. We must make our construction site safe, healthy and legal. We should not only think of the money but also consider that everyone at work is healthy and safe. The lists below are chemicals, disorders and disease that are commonly present in the construction site. Failure to recognize the hazards associated with chemicals can cause chemical burns, respiratory problems, fires and explosions. The following checklists may help you take steps to avoid hazards that cause injuries, illnesses and fatalities. As always, be cautious and seek help if you are concerned about a potential hazard. Asbestos – Identify asbestos risk, apply for a license to work with asbestos, dispose of waste safely and legally, and train workers in safe handling of asbestos Carbon Monoxide – There are three main ways in which construction work can interface with CO gas issues: Site worker and security staff facilities; refurbishment work on existing buildings, and the Gas Safe Register for gas engineers Manual handling and musculoskeletal disorders – If you cannot avoid manual handling tasks assess the risks carefully and provide information about the size and distribution of the load. Dermatitis – Find out about the substances that can cause irritant and allergic skin conditions in the construction industry, and how to protect your workers from coming into contact with them. Respiratory disease – Invest on your employee’s health, research on how to reduced workers’ exposure to substances that causes respiratory disease or breathing difficulty. Noise – Since noise pollution can affect one’s health, the company should avoid, eliminate and reduce noise at work. Otherwise if you cannot avoid noise, offer your workers hearing protection. Work related stress – Every company should have a Management Standards for Work-related stress to assess and eliminate stress from the workplace. Hand-arm vibration – Assess the risk of injury from vibrating power tools and then take positive action to eliminate the risk or reduce it to a low level.
Behind the Art and Aesthetic of One’s great Masterpiece
Behind the art and aesthetic of every fresh structure, there are many people who had made their direct participation on the physical construction of infrastructure. The people, who contributed time, skill, dedication and hardwork to complete the masterpiece of a structural project, had made a significant accomplishment.
The men behind the construction projects are classified into many categories and Job Titles that separate their functions and areas of obligation to ensure the safety and orderly assembly of the whole team.
Division of labour is essential in the construction site in order to identify and classify the diverse range of specialized skills required in every field covered by the structural site.
The nature of work within a construction site requires experience, skills, and knowledge because of the wide range of tasks. Types of works varies from simple to complex, some are easy to understand while others involve a bit of difficulty to handle particularly those area that has hazardous work coverage.
Most of the construction tasks demand physical strength in handling the different areas of manpower’s responsibility. Vigorous mind and body are vital elements of every worker in delivering their service. Discipline is imposed at all times to avoid emergency cases and fortuitous events.
The following are some of the labourers that has specialized skills as well as the ability to perform manual labour. (Reference: Wikipedia)
- Steel erector – tradesman who erects or dismantles structural steel frames. Structural steel installation is usually crane-assisted. Workers rely on mobile, elevated platforms or scissor lifts. Ironworkers bolt the steelwork together using various tools, power tools and manual tools
- Steel fixer - tradesman who positions and secures reinforcing bars and mesh used to reinforce concrete on construction projects.
- Electrician – tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the construction of new buildings or maintenance of existing electrical infrastructure.
- Painter – tradesman responsible for the painting and decorating of buildings, and is also known as a decorator or house painter
- Plumber – tradesman who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for plumbing, heating, drainage, potable (drinking) water or small-sized industrial process plant piping
- Carpenter – a craftsman who performs carpentry, building with wood
- Carpet layer – one who specializes in laying carpet
- Concrete finisher - tradesman who works with concrete, which includes placing, finishing, protecting and repairing concrete in construction projects.
- Heavy equipment operator – a driver and operator of heavy equipment used in engineering and construction projects.
- Laborer - skilled worker proficient with pneumatic tools, hand tools, blasting, smaller heavy equipment. Laborers may also assist other tradesmen
- Landscaper – tradesmen who specializes in landscaping
- Plasterer – tradesman who works with plaster, such as forming a layer of plaster on an interior wall or plaster decorative moldings on ceilings or walls.
- Pipefitter (or steamfitter), a person who lays out, assembles, fabricates, maintains, and repairs large-sized piping systems capable of enabling high-pressure flow.
- Roofer – a specialist in roof construction
- Tiler – tradesmen who fits tile
- Welder – tradesman who specializes in welding
These are some of the few construction workers who devoted their time and energy and willing to share an extra ordinary diligence and passion in the simple expression of their hardwork and skills. Without their courage in participating to a challenging workmanship in the field of construction, no wonders of manmade can ever be seen by our own eyes. Indeed what a magnificent artwork performed by every individual who became part of historical establishment of various artwork in different places.
Different Types of Construction
When one visits the city, it is a common site to see tall and huge buildings. Cities that have these building often pose an image of development and success. These buildings are constructed with major concern in the environmental factors and safety. They are built to soar high and withstand the treat of hurricanes and other natural disaster. It is through construction that these buildings, houses, highways and walls are built. The process of construction is somehow geared towards development and success. Let us now dig deep into the types of construction projects that help individuals and the economy of the world.
The first type of construction is involved with the creation of new building and addition of a portion of a building to a house. This is called the building construction. It is basically concern with residential or non-residential buildings. Residential buildings are buildings occupied with tenants while non-residential buildings are owned by companies. Such constructions include design, financial and legal considerations. Building of residential units must always be in line with the local building authority regulations and codes of practice. Such housing designs are usually done by architects and engineers and are executed by builders who hire subcontractors who specialized with the work. Today, this type of construction has attracted builders for its highly competitive rewards.
Compared to building construction, industrial construction may not be that huge. However, this type of construction gives way to buildings which are used in the productions of materials, goods and services. Since the dawn of civilizations, it has been a part of mankind. Businessmen and corporations usually own such building projects. The process in the construction requires expertise in planning, design and construction. Industrial construction is important especially in the development of the economy and the business scene.
Without proper and efficient transportation, a lot of products and services will not be properly delivered and processed. This is why highways and civil engineering construction projects are important; it helps people travel from home to school or work. Through this construction projects, goods are transported from one place to another as well as government services reach people even in the farthest places. Highway and civil engineer projects are usually owned by the government. Such projects are generally not for profit but for public interest. But some projects like the golf courses, power companies and mines are still undertaken by large and private companies.
Lastly, the construction which deals with the building of infrastructures not under the building or the highway is called the heavy construction. Heavy construction projects involve projects like, dams, water treatment and flood control projects. Heavy equipments are designed to execute such construction projects. Like the highway construction project, it is also mainly done by government and private companies.
There are a lot of construction projects that aid man in his living. These projects are the result of major man’s need and also with the advancement in technology. Such projects are done mainly to help us lie a well and healthy life hand in hand with the world’s development.
Safety First
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is better than cure. “ Individuals must always do their best to be safe at all times. Warning and precautionary measures should never be disregarded so as to work continuously and protect one’s own life as well. Our jobs pose different challenges in our daily lives. It can either be physical, emotional or even spiritual. What we have to do is put our mind in everything that we accomplish and make sure ourselves would be of top priority.
Among the jobs created for individuals, construction is said to be the most dangerous one. According to a working sector in Europe, the fatal accident rate is 13 per 100,000 compared to 5 per 100,000 of other sectors. The problems come from the uncontrollable changing working environment that is faced by construction workers. With this inevitable situation, individuals engage in construction should follow the rules within the working area to avoid causalities and damages.
Let us now discuss the hazards prone in construction sites and how construction companies can avoid further injuries.
Construction workers build high structures; therefore it is a must that they elevate into a certain height. The main cause of injury in the industry is the fall from heights. In construction sites, fall protection must be seen in ramps, residential construction, holes and other walking/working surfaces. Through guard rail system, safety net, personal arrest and position device system fall from heights can serve as protection. Employees on the other hand must also be trained on how the systems are to be used and which hazard are they facing. Motor vehicle crashes should also be provided with safety cautions. Handling motor vehicles and equipment must be properly oriented to its operators. These vehicles must have service brake, emergency brake and parking brake system. Audible warning systems must also be attached to these vehicles as well. Equipments must have light and reflectors for night use and intended for their task at all times.
Sometimes, excavation is also done in construction sites, before this activity takes place, the contractor must make sure that there is a notification that excavation work is performed. As the excavation process is started, the contractor must provide safety for all the workers and passers-by. No one should be allowed to cross or stand underneath any loading or digging equipments especially when it is operational. Constructor must also make sure to inspect the equipment before it is used.
For years now, the condition of construction is being improved as well as the safety and the working conditions of the individuals engage in the construction jobs. But construction safety must not only be for the individuals engage with it but also to those individuals who are called non-workers. For transportation purposes, roads once in a while are constructed and developed. In such cases of road construction, redirecting the traffic is a must. The site must be protected with properly fixed signs and barricades so as not to cause any disruption and damage to cars passing by.
It is always better to be safe than sorry. Damages and causalities can be avoided is proper measures are undertaken. Construction is not easy and individuals working in the industry risk lives to make our lives easier. Therefore, safety measures must be provided for them to provide their right service to us.
Careers in the Construction Industry
Countries have different job opportunities in every trade. Just like in the construction industry, different countries varies on the opportunities it opens to a million of individuals who wants to engage themselves in the industry. But basing on the educational background, there are only three main types of careers offered in the field of construction. They are the following: unskilled, skilled and technical and management.
Unskilled occupations require no construction qualifications while the skilled requires education qualifications. Those engage in the skilled occupation must have extensive knowledge in their own crafts. Technical and management occupations involve individuals who have graduate degrees and are trained to design, manage and instruct the construction process. Individuals who engage themselves in the technical and management occupations must have more training and attain a greater technical knowledge. The following are careers offered in such occupations. Let us define them one by one
The person who is trained to plan, design and instruct the construction site is called the architect. He/she is the one who finished architecture and has become a licensed one. They render service which involves the design not only of the building but also its surroundings which is to be prepared for occupancy. He is the one who coordinates with the client on what the latter wants in their building. Architects are responsible for what design and concept the clients want. They also prepare the working documents needed to start the construction of the building and lastly they attend on behalf of the client to facilitate the process of the construction. Nowadays, architects have focused on different specialization and dwells on certain projects to meet up with the demands.
Those individuals who are tasked to design materials, structures and machines at the same time imposing limitations, safety and cost are called the engineer. They are individuals who use scientific knowledge to work on technical problems. There are certain engineers whose expertises are needed in the construction site. First is the construction engineer who deals with the designing, planning, construction and management of infrastructure like highways, airports, dams, buildings and bridges. Construction engineers take up courses both on designing and construction management which allows them to meet the daily requirements in building today’s infrastructures. Civil engineers are also needed for their expertise in terms of putting public and environmental safety while maintaining the operation of the infrastructure. They make sure the safety of the society is placed first in any construction.
The construction project manager is responsible for the planning, execution and closing of any projects related to the construction industry. They are task to finish the project objectives, build project requirements and manage the cost, time and quality. They tend to be the client’s representative and implement what the client really wants.
The person who is in charge of the building cost is called the quantity surveyor. Through accurate measurement they are able to control the cost in the construction. The quantity surveyor also conducts feasibility studies to estimate the needed materials and the time. They must also make sure that they meet the legal and quality requirements needed for the project. Degrees in construction and civil engineer are considered to become a quantity surveyor.
The construction industry is therefore open to individuals who both have the energy, potential, skills and educational degree to meet up with its needed requirements. One just has to be ready to face up the challenges needed on their chosen career.
Best sites for construction jobs
Sent your resume to multiple agencies only to find that they don’t have the kind of job you would like to apply for? Why not send your resume to the right firms with just one click of your mouse? Here are some of the best jobsites for professionals in the construction industry-
a) www.seek.com.au- It’s just the right job site for professionals across different levels in the industry. You can customise your searches based on your preferred location, salary range, work type and related job title. So the results that you get are exactly the kind of jobs that are ideal for you. With plenty of advice and tips on how to market yourself to a potential employer, there’s little chance that this site won’t leave you smiling!
b) www.hays.com.au- Hays has been in the recruiting business for many years and features job vacancies that cover so many sectors in Australia. Many of the job openings are targeted at managers, engineers, estimators and other mid-management to senior level positions in the construction industry. Members can even register with the site and have job alerts sent to their inbox directly. That way, you can keep a close eye on different vacancies that are best suited for you.
c) Employment.byron.com.au- Just click on the ‘Construction & Design’ link placed under Job Categories and you will be led to a page with plenty of job vacancies in your chosen industry. In fact, each job title is a link in itself which when clicked will show you the complete job description. You can even check out available jobs in Australian cities, regions or even overseas.
d) www.engineeringjobs.net.au- If you’re an engineer on the lookout for a job, then this is the best site for you because it focuses on different industries instead of just a few. This site features current job vacancies from other job sites in your chosen industry. This actually makes applying for jobs much easier and with so many options to view, you’re certain to find your dream job here.
e) Jobsjobsjobs.com.au- Plenty of vacancies awaiting you here! As you sift through the searches, you can even shortlist your preferred choices or create an alert which keeps you updated about the latest jobs in your industry. To make your job search easier, you can even refine it further by choosing your preferred recruiter, location, work type and sector.
Remember that just because you are applying for a job through a job site, it does not mean that you can afford to send in an unimpressive cover letter or an old resume. Marketing yourself properly online is the secret to getting an interview call. Make sure that you do not mail a standard cover letter but that you customise the contents keeping each prospective employer in mind. Take the time to update your job site profile now and then because believe it or not, recruiters do note these little things. Best of luck!