Manpower is what moves a construction site. It is made up of a lot of people, not just the engineer, architect, foreman and laborer as commonly known by people. It is made up of different people with different expertise on trades and skills.
This post is intended to recognize and acknowledge the people that constitute a construction site. Not just the frontline workers like the architects and engineers but also the hands that is working under the scorching sun. Inside a construction site, everyone is essential no matter the size of the paycheck.
Here is the list of the common construction laborers.
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Construction Manager
Responsible for overseeing the entire construction project from inception to project completion. You rarely see them on site, but when they are present, you will know that they are checking some huge construction milestone and their presence is important. They are present from the planning stage, to organizing, and managing all aspects of the project. Why are they important? Because they are the decision-making people. Whatever they decide, with their years of experience and data gathered from site meetings, is for the betterment of the project. Normally, it would take more than five years working on-site to be considered as one.
Site Supervisor
Serves as the “right hand” of the manager. Depending on the organizational chart (provided that asst. managers is not in the chart), he/she oversees the day-to-day construction activities of the construction site. As the name states, he supervises the construction site. He ensures that the materials arrive just in time. He makes sure that the project is on-time, on-quality, and on-budget.
Construction Site Safety Officer
Construction Safety Officers enforces safety protocols for all the people on-site to reduce and prevent the risk of injury or death in a construction site. They are the ones that sets safety standards and regulations that should be always followed, even by the project manager. To become one, he should undergo trainings and get certain licenses. He is equipped with knowledge about the site hazards and is obligated to prevent site accidents. Construction safety officers are responsible for ensuring the safety of all personnel on the site, as well as the safety of the construction itself. They inspect construction site for hazards to prevent the likelihood of falling, electrocution, fire, and others. They also ensure that proper safety equipment is being used and that all personnel are following safety protocols.
Equipment Operators
Equipment Operators are the people that is licensed and experienced to operate heavy machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, and other heavy equipment to complete tasks in construction site. Instead of doing the digging manually which would take days even months for huge projects, equipment operators do this thing efficiently and quickly. They play a key role especially during the land development and foundation stage by excavating and grading the land, hauling away debris and moving heavy materials. They also help with the installation of utilities and other structures. With their knowledge of the machinery and their experience with the construction process.
Architects
Architects is one of the key professionals needed to realize and complete a project. They are responsible for designing and creation of the plans that the construction crew will use to build the structure. The architect’s design decisions will determine aesthetic and function of the structure. With their expertise and knowledge, must also ensure that the building complies with all relevant codes and regulations, and that sufficient materials and resources are available for the project. Architects also work with the construction crew to identify problems, provide solutions, and make any changes necessary for the project to be completed on time and within budget.
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Engineers
Construction site comprises of not just single engineer but a lot of them with different trades and expertise. Technically, a construction site should have a civil and structural engineer, sanitary engineer, electrical engineer, and mechanical engineer. They provide technical expertise and knowledge to develop designs, plans, and estimates for these key trades. Engineers are also responsible for making sure that the building meets all legal requirements and is structurally sound. They are the ones that inspects that what is constructed is according to plan. They check that the materials used is according to the required specifications. Without engineers, the construction process would be much less efficient, and the establishment constructed would be of a much lower quality.
Designers
Designers (which may also be Consultants), are group for various professional that develops visual representations of the project. There are a lot of designers that comprise a construction projects, structural designers, architectural designers, fire-protection designers, mechanical designers, and sanity designers to name a few. They create the plans and specifications that detail the scope of work that will be done on a construction project. As experts, these plans, of course, follows all applicable building codes and regulations. They are responsible for developing the design solution for a project, including the selection of materials and construction methodologies. Designers also serve as an important source of information and advice for the contractor, helping them to identify potential problems and solutions during the construction process.
Land Surveyors
You can immediately spot these people when they are around. They are the ones that is looking at that telescopic apparatus. Those apparatuses are not actual just mere telescopes. It is called transits and theodolite. It helps get lot angles and distances to determine the boundaries of a projects. Surveyors also inspects that the formworks installed are in correct elevations before concrete casting for multiple floor projects. Without the services of surveyors, construction projects could be delayed or even halted if boundaries are not properly established. Without the expertise of land surveyors, construction projects may be hindered by disputes and legal issues.
Quantity Surveyors
Quantity surveyors ensure that all the needed construction materials, day-to-day supplies, and labor are procured and managed efficiently and in a timely manner. These professionals provide essential financial advice throughout the construction configuration. They serve as the backbone of the site as they see to it that the materials are bought beforehand, arrived on time, and be used up with low to zero wastage.
Quantity surveyors see to it that the project is within budget, always. They understand the complexities of construction and ensures that all parties involved are properly informed and manage their costs efficiently.
Quality Control Officers
Quality control officers see to it that all necessary standards are met. This includes quality of materials used, quality and scaffolding and formworks used, the specifications of the concrete or cement used and all other things. They inspect every tiny detail that site technical personnel may missed as they are tasked solely to inspect the quality of the structure being built. Quality control officers also monitor the workmanship of the workers to make sure the finished product is up to the specifications and standards. They not only inspect the quality of the materials but also the workmanship, such as proper concrete terminations for large concrete casting and all other more.
Foreman
Foreman serves as the middleman between the technical people (engineers and architects) to the actual laborers. Manages and coordinates the actual day-to-day operations of workers on site. These are highly experience workforce and they know how things work on site. They are equipped with knowledge and understand technical terms. They figure out easily the mandates of the architects and engineers. Foreman is also the one in-charge to assign tasks and providing guidance to the crew.
Electricians
Electrician is one the skilled personnel in the construction site. They are ones responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment. This includes wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, conduits to transformers. Electricians must ensure that all electrical systems are working correctly and safely, and that all wiring is correctly installed according to plan. After all the installation and wirings are done, they test and troubleshoot each electrical lines if there are problems.
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Plumbers
Plumbers, like electricians are also one of the skilled people on site. They install and maintain of the waterline, sanitary and drainage systems of a building. Plumbing systems carries water, expel waste and storm line, in an efficient way so that it is comfortable and safe to the occupants and nearby areas. Plumbers are the manpower that install those pipes, bathroom fixtures, septic tanks, rainwater tanks and everything related to sanitary, water and waste management, ensuring that the building has a safe, reliable source of water and sewage systems.
Security Guards
Security personnel guards the entire construction site. They monitor the ins and outs of people in the construction site and prevent unauthorize persons to enter. They are also responsible for deterring theft, vandalism, and other criminal activity, as well as the safety of workers. Security personnel provide a visible presence to fend off any misbehavior that may harm any personnel, equipment, and the project itself. They patrol the premises and normally the first one to respond to emergencies. Without the presence of security personnel, construction sites would be subject to a greater risk of unlawful activity.
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Skilled Workers
These people have gained through years of experience (or have trained) to become skilled at something. These people may be a painter, mason, plumber, electrician, tile installer, or carpenter. They are the actual hands doing the hard work on-site.
Unskilled Workers
Though they are ‘unskilled’ do not take them for granted as they play important role in the construction site as well. They deliver the tasks that do not associate with any technical skills. These include basic labor duties such as lifting and carrying materials, digging trenches, do simple errands, and cleaning up the site.
All these personnels at the construction site have each role to play. If you are the construction manager, engineer, or architect, you would not complete your project without the help of those lower than you in the organization chart, so respect them like a human being. For skilled workers, no matter how many years of experience you have gained and you could say you are the best in your craft, technically, you are still at the mercy of those people on top of you, so respect them as they are. Afterall, we are all beings that tries to provide for our loved ones. Be kind, respectful and professional on site no matter the position and rest assured, it will always turn out as the best structure like it should be.
Kudos to all construction workers!