Pavel Novotny

One of the construction trades, traditionally considered unskilled manual labor (as opposed to skilled labor). In the division of labor, laborers have all blasting, hand tools, power tools, air tools, and small heavy equipment, and act as assistants to other trades, e.g. operators or cement masons. The first century BC engineer Vitruvius writes in detail about laborer practices at that time. In his experience a good crew of laborers is just as valuable as any other aspect of construction. Other than the addition of pneumatics, laborer practices have changed little. With the advent of advanced technology and its introduction into the construction field, the laborers have been quick to include much of this technology as being laborers work.

Laborers are typically required to provide their own basic hand tools. The following tools are considered a minimum: hammer, pliers (side-cutters), utility knife, tape measure, vise-grips, cresent wrench, screwdriver, margin trowel, carpenter's pencil or soapstone, tool belt and pouches. In addition: a five gallon bucket with additional tools, toolbelt suspenders, water jug and lunchbox is recommended. Most safety equipment that is consumed or work specific e.g. hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, fall protection, High-visibility clothing, concrete boots, respirator/dust mask and toe guards are provided by the employer as part of construction site safety. Personal safety equipment e.g. full leather boots, high strength pants, socks, chapstick, and climate specific outerwear, is provided by the individual.