Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Construction trades helpers and labourers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

• Load and unload construction materials, and move materials to work areas
• Erect and dismantle concrete forms, scaffolding, ramps, catwalks, shoring and barricades required at construction sites
• Mix, pour and spread materials such as concrete and asphalt
• Assist tradespersons such as carpenters, bricklayers, cement finishers, roofers and glaziers in construction activities
• Assist heavy equipment operators to secure special attachments to equipment, signal operators to guide them in moving equipment and provide assistance in other activities
• Assist in aligning pipes and perform related activities during oil and gas pipeline construction
• Assist in drilling and blasting rock at construction sites
• Assist miners in excavating and in setting up and operating various drills and other surface mining machinery
• Level earth to fine grade specifications using rake and shovel
• Assist in demolishing buildings using prying bars and other tools, and sort, clean and pile salvaged materials
• Remove rubble and other debris at construction sites using rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows and other equipment
• Operate pneumatic hammers, vibrators and tampers as directed
• Tend or feed machines or equipment used in construction such as mixers, compressors and pumps
• Clean up chemical spills and other contaminants, and remove asbestos and other hazardous materials
• Oil and grease hoists and similar equipment
• Direct traffic at or near construction sites
• Perform other activities at construction sites, as directed.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Construction trades helpers and labourers are employed and some of their main characteristics:

• Trade and labour contractors
• Surface mine and quarry operators
• Construction companies