Nepedia
Back to Discover
Advanced Reader
📖

Laborer

society Maturity 9-11 Next article →

A laborer is a person who performs manual labor. These individuals are often found working within the construction industry. Laborers belong to a working class of wage-earners. In this class, their only significant material possession is their own labor. They play a vital role in building the physical world around us. This includes constructing roads, bridges, tunnels, and pipelines. They also work on railway tracks and various civil or industrial buildings.

WomanFactory1940s
WomanFactory1940s

Laborers follow specific sequences to complete complex tasks. They often act as assistants to skilled tradesmen, such as cement masons or operators. They use a variety of tools to achieve results. These include hand tools, power tools, and air tools. They may also operate small pieces of heavy equipment. Some use blasting tools for specialized tasks. This mechanical support allows them to assist in large-scale projects. They move materials and prepare sites so that construction can proceed smoothly.

There are many different types of labor work. Concrete work involves tasks like shotcrete, grouting, and formwork. Demolition work includes breaking pavement and removing interior parts like wiring or piping. Some laborers focus on environmental remediation or handling hazardous waste. Others specialize in landscaping, mowing, or street sweeping. There are also specialized roles like hod carriers for masonry. Some workers focus on paving, piping, or drilling in tunnels. Even utility work, such as installing electrical conduits, requires manual labor.

This profession has a very long history. An engineer named Vitruvius wrote about laborers in the 1st century BC. He stated that a good crew of laborers is as valuable as any other part of construction. While the addition of pneumatics has changed some things, many practices have remained similar. Laborers have proven to be quick to adapt to new field technologies. They incorporate new tools into their existing workforce to stay efficient.

The economic value of labor varies by organization. In the United States, union laborers can earn a living wage without a high school diploma. In 2008, union laborers in heavy construction earned an average of $25.47 per hour. This was much higher than the $13.72 per hour earned by non-union laborers. By 2012, the total value of union labor reached $45 per hour when including benefits. These benefits include medical insurance, vacation pay, and pension plans. In some cases, union laborers earn more than young civil engineers. For example, in 2007, engineers earned between $40,000 and $60,000. Meanwhile, union laborers averaged between $50,000 and $80,000.

Laborers must manage specific tools and safety equipment. A standard kit includes a hammer, pliers, a utility knife, and a tape measure. They also carry a crescent wrench, screwdriver, and a margin trowel. Most employers provide essential safety gear. This includes hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protection. They also provide gloves, fall protection, and high-visibility clothing. Workers often provide their own personal items like leather boots and high-strength pants.

However, the work involves significant physical hazards. Many laborers face permanent injuries like hearing loss, arthritis, or lung disease. They may also suffer from back injuries or chemical burns from lime sensitivity. Because of these risks, some companies require drug screening for all new hires. If a worker tests positive after an accident, they may lose workers' compensation benefits. To protect these workers, the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) represents them. LIUNA works on public and private projects to ensure laborers are treated fairly. Some union representatives are former laborers who were severely injured on the job.

586 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (1)
File:WomanFactory1940s.jpg
WomanFactory1940s.jpg
More to explore

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.