General Laborer

What is a laborer?

General laborers are workers who take up various supporting tasks in warehouses, construction sites or other settings (e.g. factories). According to this general laborer definition, these workers may have an important assisting role in constructing highways, buildings or other structures, and they may also transport materials and equipment.

What does a laborer do?

General laborer duties vary depending on the setting they work in and their level of specialization. They usually work in construction where they help erect scaffolding, clean up sites and assist specialized workers such as painters and electricians. Occasionally, general laborers take up dangerous tasks like handling chemicals or removing lead from buildings. In these cases, you might be required to schedule training sessions on working with hazardous materials safely.

• Cleaning up worksites from debris and machinery
• Helping erect scaffolding and ladders
• Handling and transporting materials (e.g. cement)

As for general laborer qualifications, there usually aren’t any educational requirements, but formal or informal apprenticeships via unions or contractors are common. Critical general laborer skills also include stamina, ability to follow instructions and commitment to safety.

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Job brief

We are looking for a General Laborer to take up manual labor tasks and support operations in worksites.

One of the most important general laborer responsibilities is to collect trash, debris and other waste to keep the site clean and safe. You’ll also get to handle power tools and materials (such as saws and drills).

We’d like you to have include stamina and the ability to lift heavy loads. You should be able to concentrate on performing your tasks and commit to safety rules. If you fit this description, and you’re also interested in doing tough but important work, we’d like to meet you.

Responsibilities

• Clean up worksites from hazardous or obsolete material
• Assist welders, carpenters, painters or other tradespeople on-site
• Handle and transport materials (e.g. cement) and equipment (e.g. drills and grinders)
• Use power tools and machinery (e.g. forklifts) when needed
• Follow instructions from supervisors to perform manual labor tasks (e.g. digging, stacking up goods)
• Put up warning signs (e.g. signposts, cones) for vehicles and passersby
• Help with setting up and transferring temporary structures (e.g. scaffolding)
• Report issues with equipment or unsafe conditions

Requirements

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job (standing for long periods of time, lifting heavy loads of up to 40 pounds etc.)
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Familiarity with power tools and machinery is a plus
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to safety rules
• Apprenticeship or specialization is an asset, but not necessary