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Construction Of Construction Workers And Helpers

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Duties Construction laborers and helpers typically do the following: Clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris and possible hazards Load or unload building materials to be used in construction Build or take apart bracing, scaffolding, and temporary structures Dig trenches, backfill holes, or compact earth to prepare for construction Operate or tend equipment and machines used in construction Help craft workers with their duties Follow construction plans and instructions from supervisors or more experienced workers Construction laborers and helpers work on almost all construction sites, performing a wide range of tasks from the very easy to the extremely difficult and hazardous. Although many of the tasks they do require some …show more content…

The employment levels of construction helper specialties were as follows: Helpers--electricians 60,800 Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters 47,400 Helpers--carpenters 36,400 Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters 24,400 Helpers, construction trades, all other 21,400 Helpers--roofers 12,000 Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons 11,100 Injuries and Illnesses Construction laborers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Workers may experience cuts from materials and tools, falls from ladders and scaffolding, and burns from chemicals or equipment. Some jobs expose workers to harmful materials, fumes, odors, or dangerous machinery. Workers also may experience muscle fatigue and injuries related to lifting and carrying heavy materials. Although they face similar hazards, construction helpers generally experience a rate of injuries and illnesses that is close to the national average. Work Schedules Like many construction workers, most laborers and helpers work full time. Although they sometimes stop work because of bad weather, they often work overtime to meet deadlines. Laborers and helpers on highway and bridge projects may need to work overnight to avoid major disruptions to traffic. In some parts of the country, construction laborers and helpers may work only during certain seasons. About 23 percent of construction laborers were

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