Skills Summary

Members with Direct Skills have the opportunity to work on some of Australia’s largest and most exciting construction projects. We are proud of our recent and ongoing contributions to projects including: Melbourne Convention Centre with Multiplex - valued at over AUD$400 million EastLink Project with Thiess John Holland - valued at over AUD$2.6 billion ANZ Docklands with Lend Lease - valued at over AUD$500 million Northern Expressway with Fulton Hogan – valued at over $560 million M80 (Tulla-Sydney Alliance) with Thiess John Holland – valued at AUD$2.25 billion (total M80 project including Tulla Sydney Alliance section) Royal Childrens’ Hospital with Lend Lease - valued at over AUD$1.2 billion Airport Link with Thiess John Holland JV – valued at over AUD$4.6 billion So if you have the experience, skills, commitment and - most of all - the passion to work on exciting, high-profile projects with one of the largest Australian owned labour hire companies, visit our application page and register now.

BRICKLAYER

 

Bricklayers lay bricks, stone, concrete blocks and other building blocks in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations and other structures. Duties include the moving and handling of materials on site, including using pallet

 

jacks and wheelbarrows, as well as manually loading and unloading bricks and blocks on pallets.

 

The brick, stone and building blocks vary in size and weight. Typical concrete blocks used include 140mm X 400mm X 200mm weighing 11kg each and 200mm X 400 X 200mm weighing 13-15kg each.

 

Bricklayers typically lay 150 blocks per day and therefore may manually handle up to 2-3 tonnes of blocks. Mortar is mixed on site using a mixer. Sand is shovelled into a mixer. Cement/mortar mix is added along with water and other additives (admixes). Cement and mortar mixes are handled in 20kg quantities/bags between ground and chest height. Small quantities of mortar may be mixed manually using a shovel in a wheelbarrow. Mortar mix is transported in buckets weighing up to 25kg and/or by wheelbarrow around the site as required.

 

Bricks, stone and blocks are cut to size and shaped as required, using a chisel hammer or brick cutting machine. Mortar is spread using a hand trowel. The bricks are laid individually by hand in the mortar and kept level. Excess mortar is removed using a hand trowel and a hand tool ('Jointer') is used to create a groove between the bricks.

 

Wire and steel rods of varying gauge are cut to size and positioned within the wall structure for additional structural strength as it is built. Props may be used to temporarily support the structures, particularly when performing repair work or when exposed to wind. Bricklayers work both indoors and outdoors and therefore access may require the climbing of stairs, ladders and scaffolding, and negotiation of uneven surfaces.

 

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BRICKLAYER’S LABOURER

 

Bricklayer's Labourers assist with preparation, positioning and distribution of materials and equipment. They assist with general clean-up associated with laying bricks, stone, concrete blocks and other building blocks to construct and repair walls, foundations and other structures. Duties include mixing, transporting and distributing mortar and cement mixes for use.

 

Mortar is mixed on site using a mixer. Sand is shovelled into the mixer. Cement/mortar mix is added from 20kg bags along with water and other additives (admixes). Small quantities of mortar may be mixed manually in a wheelbarrow using a shovel. Mortar mix is transported in buckets weighing up to 25kg and/or by wheelbarrow around the site as required.

 

Duties include the moving and handling of large volumes of materials on site including using a forklift, pallet jacks, wheel barrows and specially shaped 'block barrows'. Handling duties include manually loading and unloading bricks and blocks to/from pallets. The brick, stone and building blocks handled vary in size and weight but typically weigh between 11 and 15kg. They are manually handled between floor level and chest height.

 

Bricks, stone and blocks are cut to size and shaped using a chisel hammer or brick/block cutting machine. Temporary work platforms and scaffolding is assembled and disassembled. Excess mortar is removed using a hand trowel or scraper. Props may be used to temporarily support the structures and typically are positioned and fastened between wall and floor structures, and may include the use of bracing along the walls.

 

Bricklayer's Labourers work both indoors and outdoors. Therefore access may require the climbing of stairs, ladders and scaffolding and negotiation of uneven surfaces.

 

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BUILDER’S LABOURER

 

Builder's Labourers lift, move, handle and stack a wide range of building materials. They undertake labouring tasks that vary with stages of construction for each project and site. Duties include general clean and tidy-up of site including removal of rubbish, debris and excess materials, scraping floors, sweeping, vacuuming, emptying of bins using a bin tipper and redistribution of bins and mini-skips around site.

 

Manual demolition tasks as well as demolition using jackhammers and other power tools are performed.

 

Builder's Labourers lift, move, handle and stack a wide range of building materials and assist with the unloading of various materials from delivery vehicles. Duties include the use of wheelbarrows, digging trenches, pits and similar, shovelling soil, rubble and concrete, monitoring of site gates, checking in/ out of deliveries and placing tools into position.

 

Builder's Labourers lift and erect temporary fencing and barricades as well as lay and remove temporary protective coverings. They may assist with the erection of scaffolding and work platforms.

 

Duties may include assisting various tradesmen with trade specific tasks and may include general touch-up and repair tasks for defects, or include duties such as relieving of internal lift operator. The Labourer may have a mixed role involving the completion of 'Peggie' duties including the cleaning of temporary site sheds, site amenities and replenishment of tea/coffee and consumables particularly on small sites.

 

Access to site may involve the use of stairs. Duties can involve extensive walking, negotiation of uneven terrain, pushing/pulling of bins, skips, wheelbarrows and laden pallet jacks, the climbing of ladders and climbing of scaffolding. Duties may involve the operation of a forklift for the moving and handling of materials (site dependent).

 

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CABINET MAKER / JOINER

 

The Cabinet Maker / Joiner installs pre-fabricated and assembled cabinets, bench tops, doors, drawers, furniture, wall panelling and other fittings. Duties include measuring and marking out according to plans and drawings, manual lifting and handling of fittings of variable sizes, weights and dimensions. A co-worker may assist with larger items.

 

Duties involve positioning, aligning and fastening the fittings and sub-assemblies to walls, ceilings and floor structures, ensuring they are level and that items such as doors, drawers and movable screens are correctly aligned and run smoothly with tracks. Duties may involve some trimming to size, cutting or shaping materials and fittings, using a variety of hand and power tools such as saws, chisels, planes and jigsaws. Fittings may be fastened with nails, screws, and/ or adhesives. Hinges, locks, catches, drawers, shelves and cabinet doors may be fitted.

 

Typically, materials, cabinets, fittings and sub-assemblies are transported using trolleys and pallet jacks, where access allows, and may be carried in some circumstances.

 

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CARPENTER

 

The Carpenter builds wall and ceiling framework (metal and timber), including installing windows and doorways, as well as laying timber flooring. Duties may include measuring and setting/marking out site using pegs, string tine, marking pins or marking paint, and using laser levels according to plans and specifications. Duties include lifting and carrying materials onsite. These materials predominantly include metal (galvanised tin) framework, typically weighing less than 5kg per length.

 

Material is cut to size on-site, framework components are positioned and then tied to the wall/floor, and together to form the frame. For example: small horizontal sections (noggins) are positioned and fastened between the verticals. Subsections may be pre-assembled at ground level and then fastened to the wall and/or floor.

 

Duties may include the building of pergolas and walkways between sheds, as well as the building of box stairs during the early stages of site set-up. Various hand and power tools are used such as drills, circular saws, nail guns, hammers, levels, squares, screwdrivers, and cordless drills and similar. Work is performed from ground level to overhead and includes using, lifting and carrying of ladders, as well as elevated work platforms and scissor lifts.

 

Access to the site may involve climbing stairs and the negotiation of uneven surfaces and obstacles.

 

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CONCRETE PUMP HOSEMAN

 

The Hoseman directs bulk quantities of concrete into position by guiding a flexible hose attachment on the end of a 30-57m boom extending from a concrete pump truck. Duties include assisting the Concrete pump Operator with set-up tasks. These would involve positioning of pump truck outriggers / stabilisers, retrieving hose attachments from rear of the truck, fitting hose attachments to the pump boom, mixing up slurry (15-20kg bucket) and pouring it into the pump to prime before use, and spraying a diesel mix over the hopper and truck surfaces as a protective coat.

 

The Hoseman communicates with the Concrete Pump Operator and Concreters during the operation where the concrete pump boom is moved over areas ready to receive concrete. The Hoseman guides the hose attachment to direct the flow of concrete by pushing between waist and Shoulder height.

 

On completion of the concrete pour, the Hoseman assists the Concrete Pump Operator with clean-up tasks such as flushing the pump, placing a cleaning sponge within the pump to be flushed, hosing out the hose attachments, and replacing attachments and equipment back onto the rear of the truck.

 

Access to the site may involve climbing stairs and ladders. The duties involve the negotiation of uneven surfaces and obstacles such as walking in wet concrete and over reinforcement mesh sheets and formwork.

 

Hoseman duties involving a line pump typically require the set up 75-100mof pipe with individual pipe sections weighing 15-20kg.

 

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CONCRETE PUMP OPERATOR

 

he Concrete Pump Operator operates the concrete pump truck to pump bulk quantities of concrete into position via a boom and hose attachment. Duties include driving the pump truck to/from site, positioning and stabilising the truck to enable safe operation and in accordance with site engineering specifications, and the performance of equipment checks and associated documentation.

 

Duties also include set-up tasks such as attaching hose attachments, and accurately positioning the boom to enable the Hoseman to evenly distribute the concrete to specific depths. Here the Operator maintains communication with the Hoseman, and monitors the loading of concrete into the hopper of the pump as well as clean-up and pack-up tasks.

 

Duties include the positioning of pump truck legs and any bog mats or stabilising platforms required, retrieving hose attachments from rear of the truck, and attaching hose attachments to the pump boom.

 

On completion of the concrete pour, clean-up tasks include flushing the pump, placing a cleaning sponge within the pump to be flushed, hosing out the hose attachments, and replacing attachments and equipment back onto the rear of the truck.

 

Access to the site may involve climbing stairs and ladders. The duties involve the negotiation of uneven surfaces and obstacles such as walking over reinforcement mesh sheets and formwork.

 

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CONCRETER

 

The Concreter lays concrete predominantly into temporary formwork over steel reinforcement cables, rods and mesh, to form structures such as concrete slabs, columns, drainage and communication pits and walls. Duties include moving bulk quantities of concrete into position by assisting a Hoseman to position hoses to pump the concrete, assisting with guiding and releasing concrete from crane suspended kibbles, manually using a wheelbarrow or spraying concrete from a boom.

 

The concrete is spread, ensuring it is level. Vibrating, compacting screeding and finishing equipment is used as well as hand trowels and other hand tools for finishing tasks such as edging, creating a variety of surface textures for specialty finishes, patchwork and concrete repairs.

 

Duties typically include shovelling concrete when spreading, the use of vibration wands, the use of levels, manually screeding the concrete by bending and using a hand screed, use of compacting and screeding machines, pushing and pulling of laden wheelbarrows, including over uneven surfaces. Such work may involve the lifting and carrying of 20kg bags of cement-related products to load mixers for use on small areas for patchwork or specialty finishes. Vibration, compacting and polishing equipment are typically lifted by two workers.

 

Preparation tasks include general clean-up around the formwork, use of hand held blowers and vacuums and a magnet on a pole to remove scrap pieces of steel fixing wire.

 

Access to the site may involve climbing stairs and ladders. The duties involve the negotiation of uneven surfaces and obstacles such as walking in wet concrete and over reinforcement mesh sheets and formwork.

 

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CRANE OPERATOR – MOBILE

 

Mobile Crane Operators control mobile cranes (mounted on a mobile base such as a truck or crawler) to lift, move and place materials and equipment at construction sites. Duties include transporting/driving mobile cranes to site. Mobile Crane Operators conduct pre-operational inspections, prepare and set-up cranes. Strict engineered specifications and guidelines relating to positioning of the crane, ground / surface stability, proximity to excavations and other plant equipment and hazards, as well as the type of loads to be moved and weather conditions.

 

Preparation includes checking controls, instruments, gauges, tyre pressure, water level, oil and completion of basic lubrication using a grease gun. Set-up of the crane may require the positioning of stabilising outrigger feet onto timbers, pads, steel plates or bog mats and levelling of the crane.

 

Mobile Crane Operators communicate and work with a dogman who attaches chains, slings, loads and shackles and who directs the moving and positioning of the loads. Communication with a dogman may include observing signals, radio communication or whistle. Mobile Crane Operators may also work with a specific spotter to check for electrical and other hazards during operation to maintain exclusion zones.

 

Instruments are monitored during operation to ensure loads remain within safe working limits.

 

Access to the cabins of mobile cranes varies according to the size of the crane. Small 'Franna' types of cranes have access similar to that of small trucks involving 2-3 steps. Larger mobile cranes with rotating/slewing cabins can require the climbing of multiple steps of various heights for access. Operating posture is typically an adjustable air suspension seating with hand controls in close proximity to the operator.

 

Frequent cervical/neck extension (looking up) is required when observing loads.

 

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CRANE OPERATOR – TOWER

 

Crane Operators control cranes to lift, move and place materials and equipment at construction sites.

 

Crane Operators conduct pre-operational inspections, including checking controls, instruments and gauges, water and oil level, and complete lubrication tasks using a grease gun at the commencement of each shift.

 

Access to the cabins of cranes typically involves negotiation of uneven surfaces, scaffolding stairs and ladders typical of construction sites, climbing multiple stories of ladders and through a platform/crane-head manhole. The climbing of ladders may be reduced by mid-tower access from partially constructed buildings.

 

Operating posture is typically seated with hand controls in close proximity to the operator. Frequent cervical/neck flexion (looking down) is required when observing loads as well as occasional extension when looking up at loads raised above crane cabin height.

 

Crane Operators communicate and work with a dogman who attaches chains, slings, loads and shackles and who directs the moving and positioning of the loads. Communication with a dogman may include observing signals, radio communication or by whistle.

 

Crane Operators may also work with a specific spotter to check for electrical and other hazards during operation to maintain exclusion zones.

 

Instruments are monitored during operation to ensure loads remain within safe working limits.

 

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DEMOLITION WORKER

 

Demolition Workers demolish, dismantle and remove building structures and materials including brick, timber, concrete, and metal. Duties include erecting screens, dustsheets, temporary fencing and safety barricades around sites and areas of demolition within sites, and may involve the sealing of rains.

 

Spotting may be required for hazards, safety and maintenance of secure demolition areas and to assist plant machinery operators. Hosing may be required to reduce dust during demolition and/or to assist the operation of plant machinery.

 

Duties include a wide range of manual labouring tasks. These involve the disassembly and stripping of building structures such as doors, windows, pipes, radiators, and light fixtures. Walls are knocked down using compressed air guns and jackhammers to break up concrete and brick structures, and smaller and wooden structures are demolished by hand using wrecking bars, sledgehammers, axes, shovels and similar.

 

Other power tools and equipment are used such as grinders, demolition saws, drills, oxyacetylene torches for cutting steel, jimmy bars, crow bars, spanners and hand tools.

 

Demolition Workers sort and stack materials for removal and/or reuse and therefore lift, move and handle a large variety of materials of differing shapes and sizes. They assist in the cleaning up of rubble and debris. Front-end machine operators also pick up and move debris and building materials including dumping it into trucks to be hauled away.

 

Work can be performed at heights using scissor lifts and booms. Climbing of scaffolding, temporary work platforms and part building structures are required as well as the negotiation of uneven surfaces including standing amongst and walking over rubble.

 

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DOGMAN

 

Dogman attaches slings, chains other hoisting equipment to loads to be moved by crane or plant equipment, directs the crane operators for positioning of the load and provides some manual guidance of the load where required. Duties include examining objects to be moved, estimating their weight, size, weight distribution / centre of gravity and deciding on the type and arrangement of equipment such as slings, chains and other grappling devices required to move them safely.

 

The Dogman attaches the hoisting equipment to the load using hooks, bolts coupling and clamping devices. This worker observes/spots for hazards, communicates with and directs the Crane Operator as well as provides some manual guidance of the load as it is lifted and then lowered into position.

 

Communication includes use of hand signs, whistles or two-way radios.

 

Inspections for damage and wear are performed of chains, slings, ropes, cables, hooks and lifting gear, and defects reported.

 

Duties include the lifting and handling of slings, chains and couplings of variable gauge and weight. Chains are typically handled in small sections only (typically approximating 15kg between floor level and chest height). They are either lifted section by section when lifting to store, or lifted predominantly by the crane, with the exception of the first section, which involves attaching the chain to the crane hook.

 

Access to site may involve the climbing of stairs, ladders and scaffolding structures. The Dogman may also be required to climb into heavy vehicles to access loads as well as to climb over objects and materials when positioning chains and slings.

 

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EARTHMOVING PLANT OPERATOR (EXCAVATOR)

 

This work involves the operation of earthmoving equipment to excavate areas of soil, rock and rubble.

 

Duties include operating an excavator with various attachments to dig, scrape, rip and break up soil, paving, rock and other materials in order to dig foundations for buildings and roadways, create accesses, digs or back-fill trenches.

 

Excavator operation creates drainage and moves material around the site, including loading of trucks with excavated material. Excavation is performed to specifications according to plans/drawings and communication from supervisors and engineers.

 

Excavator machines are driven/ unloaded from low loader trucks onsite. For operation, the Operator is required to climb into and from the cabin as well as onto the machine for tasks such as fuelling, cleaning and maintenance checks.

 

Daily safety/maintenance checks and documentation are performed, including lubrication tasks using a grease gun. Negotiation of uneven surfaces is also typically required of the Operator. The Operator is required to select and operate a variety of attachments. The change of attachments may require the use of hand tools to connect/ disconnect hydraulic hoses and engage locking pins. Typically, cabins are air conditioned. Operating posture is seated using joystick and lever controls. Seating is typically adjustable air suspension seating with mild lumbar support.

 

Depending on the attachment utilised, the task and material involved, the operator may be exposed to whole body vibration for sustained periods, for example when ripping through or hammering rock.

 

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FORLIFT DRIVER

 

Forklift Drivers operate forklift to move, stack and un-stack a wide variety materials around site, including the loading and unloading of trucks. Duties are predominantly undertaken seated, however the operator may need to disembark from the forklift to check loads and to perform minor adjustments, servicing, refuelling and safety checks on the forklift. New forklift seating is typically adjustable with air suspension. Controls vary between right and left arm for steering and fork controls.

 

In construction, forklifts are typically used for moving and stacking materials less than one storey high and therefore do not require extremes of neck extension to view loads. Up to 50 per cent of tasks are performed in reverse depending the size and height of the loads and visibility. Reverse operation requires use of mirrors as well as rotation of the trunk and cervical spine.

 

The adjustment of fork width is performed manually, usually by foot or with the forks raised, pulling/pushing the forks. Refuelling may require the lifting and replacement of LPG bottles weighing up to 34kg when full, or the attachment of electric recharge leads. Daily safety/maintenance checks are performed and documented, including checking tyres, water and oil.

 

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FORMWORK CARPENTER

 

The Formwork Carpenter constructs and disassembles temporary formwork into which concrete is poured and cured for structures such as concrete slabs/flooring, columns, drainage and communication pits, walls and footings. Duties include lifting and carrying materials onsite, including laminated veneer lumber (LVL)/structural beams and joists, formply decking board, temporary handrails/guardrails, timber and steel framework.

 

A variety of hand and power tools is used such as drills, circular saws, nail hammers, levels, screwdrivers, aid cordless drills.

 

Temporary safety fencing is also erected and positioned as works progress.

 

Materials vary in size and weight and are cut to size during construction by the formworker. Structural beams weigh up to 25kg. Typical formwork formply decking boards used range from size 1.8m X 1.2m to 2.4m X 1.2m and in thickness to 17mm. Weights for such boards range between 21kg and 32kg. The boards are handled between one or two workers.

 

Large sections of pre-fabricated decking (tables) may be craned into position. Galvanised metal sheeting/'bondek' may also be laid and fastened by the Formwork Carpenter.

 

Access to the site may involve climbing stairs and ladders. The duties involve the negotiation of uneven surfaces and obstacles.

 

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FORMWORK LABOURER

 

The Formwork Labourer erects and dismantles the structure for temporary formwork into which concrete is poured and cured for structures such as concrete slabs/flooring, columns, drainage and communication pits, walls and footings. The various types of formwork assembly (such as traditional and pre-fabricated - Peri system) have similar physical job demands.

 

Duties include lifting and carrying materials on site, including laminated veneer lumber (LVL)/structural beams and joists, steel framework, steel stand bracing, joiners, props, and formwork pans/sub-assemblies.

 

Materials vary in size and weight. Structural beams and steel framework components weigh up to 28kg and are typically lifted between floor level and overhead, including between workers onto scissor lifts, ladders and between levels. Formwork pans weigh up to 14kg.

 

The formwork framework is positioned and assembled manually from floor level upwards. This either involves positioning frames into stands, fastening braces between them, using joiners to create multiple levels and positioning beams into jack components, or erecting adjustable columns, positioning steel beams and positioning the pans/sub-assemblies overhead. Stripping the formwork following curing of the concrete involves significant work overhead using 'Jimmy bars', disassembling the components and lifting down materials from underneath the concrete structure, before stacking the materials for removal.

 

Access to the site may involve climbing stairs and ladders. The duties involve the climbing of scaffold-like structures (framework), negotiation of uneven surfaces and obstacles.

 

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MAN & MATERIALS HOIST (ALIMAK) OPERATOR

 

These workers operate 'Alimak' hoist/lift to transport workers and construction materials between floors on multi-level construction sites. Duties include responding to lift calls, operating the Alimak lift from a control panel/box and opening and closing the gates and doors.

 

Closing the counterweighted Alimak gates involves reaching overhead to pull the top gate which mechanically raises and meets the lower gate. Opening the gates requires the reverse. Steel mesh doors are opened and closed at each level to enable access for workers and materials.

 

Duties may include assisting construction workers with loading materials into the lift via trolleys, wheelie bins and similar. On rare occasions, if the lift becomes stuck between floors or misaligned, the operator is required to climb via a ladder through a manhole onto the roof of the lift, in order to manually override the control box by using a lever attached directly to the motors.

 

Alimak operators commonly work 10-hour shifts (with breaks), as they typically work from the time the site opens to when it closes each day.

 

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PAINTER

 

Painters apply paint, varnish and other finishes to protect and decorate inter and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. Duties include determining materials required by reading drawings, plans or job specifications, or by taking measurements of the surfaces to be painted.

 

Surfaces are prepared by applying fillers, sealing gaps, holes, cracks and material joins as well as using sandpaper and sanding blocks to manually sand back surfaces. Power sanders may also be used. Surfaces may be prepared by using scrapers, paint strippers (chemical or heat strippers/guns) and may be washed down.

 

Drop-sheets, tapes and films are placed to protect areas from dripping and excess paint. Paint is selected and prepared to match colours by the addition of tints and is mixed/remixed onsite using a power mixer or drill with mixer/agitator attachment.

 

Quantities of paint and other finishes are typically handled in 20 litre containers weighing up to 25kg.

 

Paints, stains, varnishes and other finishes are applied manually using paintbrushes or paint rollers, or sprayed on using spray apparatus. Paintbrushes are typically used for painting edges (cutting in), intricate or non-flat surfaces. Rollers and spray apparatus are used for larger areas and usually involve the use of an extension pole to maximise reach and reduce extremes of arm and body movement.

 

Multiple coats of paint or other finish are usually applied to surfaces including undercoats, and materials for textured and specialty finishes. Light sanding may be required between coats of varnish.

 

Work is performed between floor level and overhead, for example: when painting the bottom edges of walls and skirts, to spraying or rolling paint onto ceilings. It therefore requires kneeling and crouching positions as well as reaching overhead, and includes the use of ladders, work from elevated work platforms, temporary scaffolding, scissor lifts and similar.

 

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PEGGIE / FIRST AIDER

 

The Peggie / First Aider maintain and clean site sheds, lunch rooms and amenities and may be combined with the role of First Aid Officer. Duties include a daily First Aid equipment check, including checking oxygen cylinder and attachments, First Aid supplies, checking that the defibrillator unit is fully charged, as well as checking that radios are fully charged.

 

Cleaning tasks include wiping down of tables and bench tops, sweeping and mopping of floors, collection of litter, removal of rubbish bags and bins, the cleaning of sinks and wiping out fridges and microwave units. Toilets are cleaned typically using a long handled brush up to twice per day. Consumables such as milk, tea, coffee, paper towels, toilet paper, soaps and hand cleansers are replenished as required. This typically involves handling small quantities of the consumables. However, it can also involve lifting boxes of consumables, laden milk crates weighing 18kg, the handling of soap and detergent containers weighing up to 20kg and the use of a hand trolley to transport the consumables on site, particularly on delivery to a store area.

 

Duties may also include updating site overtime boards, setting up radios in position around the site, liaising with foremen, assisting with initial allocation of site lunch room facilities per seating capacity and general site errands.

 

The First Aid Officer is required to respond to incidents and emergency situations where First Aid treatment is required. This includes application of First Aid within the first aid room as well as around the site as required.

 

This may require access to the site via steps and ladders and may include kneeling and crouching positions to tend to a floor level patient/worker.

 

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PLASTERER

 

Plasterers apply and fix the internal plaster linings of buildings. Duties include the measuring of walls, determining plaster layout, measuring, marking and cutting plasterboard to size. This involves cutting access and window holes, installing insulation, applying adhesive fastener to wall structures, lifting, carrying and positioning plasterboard and fastening it to walls, battens or ceilings using nails or screws.

 

Cornice, mouldings and ceiling centre pieces may also be fitted. Joins and screw and nail holes are covered with filling or sealing compounds and then finished/made smooth by manually sanding them, using sandpaper and/or using power sanders.

 

Filling and sealing compounds are mixed onsite in 15kg buckets, using a power mixer or drill with mixer attachment.

 

The plasterboard sheets handled vary size up to 6m in length. They are up 16mm thick and vary greatly in weigh up to 50kg. Larger sheets are typically handled by two workers. The plasterboard sheets are lifted between floor height and overhead when positioning for walls and ceilings. Ladders and working platforms are used, for the upper level tasks.

 

A range of hand tools is used, such utility knives, hammers, tape measure levels, hand trowels, sanding blocks hand saws and screw drivers.

 

Plasterers typically work indoors. Access to the site may require use of stairs.

 

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PLASTERER’S LABOUR

 

Plasterer's Labourers transport, store, move and distribute plastering materials, tools and equipment on site. They also perform cleaning and tidy-up tasks to assist plasterers in applying plaster linings to interior walls of buildings.

 

Trolleys, pallet jacks and forklifts are used wherever possible to transport materials. However, materials are manually handled when being distributed to areas for installation and during cleaning-up processes.

 

Manual handling includes lifting, carrying and stacking plasterboard sheeting that varies in length up to 6m, in thickness up to 16mm and in weight up to 50kg. Plasterboard sheeting is lifted between floor height and chest height. Larger sheets are typically handled by two workers. Filling and sealing compounds are handled in 15kg buckets and 20kg dry quantities.

 

Various other materials are handled including insulation bats, inspection covers and bulk head sub-assemblies. Duties also include the unloading of delivery vehicles.

 

Cleaning-up tasks involve the collection, stacking and removal of scrap materials and emptying of waste material bins (wheelie bins), and the collection and storage of tools and equipment.

 

Plasterer's Labourers typically work indoors. Access to the site may require use of stairs.

 

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RIGGER

 

Riggers rig up loads to be moved by crane, erect structural steel for buildings under construction, erect precast concrete panels used for walls of buildings and noise walls along freeways, and erect/dismantle cranes. Duties include examining objects to be moved, estimating their weight, size, weight distribution / centre of gravity and deciding on the type and arrangement of equipment such as slings, chains and other grappling devices required to move them safely.

 

The Rigger attaches the hoisting equipment to the load using hooks, bolts, coupling and clamping devices, and communicates with and directs the crane operator, as well as providing some manual guidance of the load as it is lifted and then lowered into position by the crane. Communication includes use of hand signals, whistles or two-way radios.

 

Duties include the inspection of chains, slings, ropes, cables, hooks and lifting gear for damage and wear and reporting defects.

 

When erecting steel, vertical columns are craned into position, guided by and then fastened by the Rigger onto metal studs using a rattle gun, or welded onto plates by a boilermaker. Horizontal components are craned into position, manually guided and then fastened by the Rigger, working from booms and scissor lifts, using large bolts and tools including rattle guns and large sockets and spanners (up to 80mm).

 

The lighter-weight horizontal components, such as 'purlins' and struts used to tie the structure together, may be craned in bulk onto the rafters and then manually spaced and positioned by the Rigger. The Riggers typically work in pairs at either end of the horizontal components when spacing, positioning and fastening them.

 

The steel components handled vary greatly in size and weight depending on the structure being built. Purlins typically weigh up to 60kg. When the ends are lifted above shoulder height for positioning, one end remains supported on the structure, so that less than half the total weight is lifted by the Rigger (both ends are not lifted simultaneously).

 

Access to site may involve the climbing of stairs, ladders and scaffolding. Riggers may also be required to climb onto heavy vehicles to rig up loads as well as overloads of materials when positioning chains and slings. Riggers frequently work from height, including within boom and scissor lifts.

 

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SCAFFOLDER

 

Scaffolders erect, alter and dismantle temporary scaffolding structures that provide work platforms and stairway access to building sites. Duties include checking plans and drawings, selecting scaffolding components and assembling the prefabricated scaffold components to build the scaffold from the ground up, level by level.

 

Scaffolding components handled include base plates, base jacks, couplings, braces, brackets, ties, bars, a variety of lengths and gauge of steel tubing, ledgers, transoms and steel boards used to create platforms, as well as aluminium flights of stairs, ladders and similar. The various components handled are typically between 7kg and 16kg in weight and are lifted between floor level and overhead during assembly. However, aluminium flights of stairs can weigh up to 33kg and stillages for materials weigh up to 35kg when empty (handled by two or more workers).

 

The materials are typically collected from ground level, then lifted and carried up flights of stairs in small quantities as they are erected, or passed up between workers to the level of scaffold where they are required. The dismantling process is essentially the reverse of the building and assembly process. Rolls of shade cloth may also be dropped down between each level and tied to the scaffold.

 

A variety of hand tools is used during the assembly and disassembly process, including hammers to hit locking pins into position, sockets and ratchets, levels and other hand tools.

 

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SOLID PLASTERER

 

Solid Plasterers apply coats of hard finish plaster, sand cement and acrylic renders and similar materials to the interiors and exteriors of buildings, for decorative, finishing and/or protective purposes. Duties include preparatory tasks such as cleaning, scraping, removing nails, roughening, and patching walls and ceilings to be rendered, as well as erecting scaffolding and temporary work platforms. Various materials are mixed by using a mixer or drill with an agitator/paddle placed in a bucket, and handling 20kg quantities of dry compounds. Waterproofing and sealing agents may abo be brushed or rolled onto the surfaces.

 

Duties include the application of coats of hard finish plaster, sand cement and acrylic renders and/or similar materials in layers to internal and external walls and ceilings. The worker levels and smooths them by using hand trowels, as well as straightening edges, corners, angles and applying finishing coats to give smooth or decorative texture.

 

Lightweight cement mouldings for external applications and numerous plaster mouldings such as cornices, plaster roses and others may also be fitted.

 

Duties include finishing the underside of concrete floors and stairwells, and require work within confined areas, the use of various scissor lifts, elevated work platforms and climbing of stairs and scaffolding.

 

Coatings are typically mixed from 20kg quantities of materials and handled in 15kg buckets. Large cement based mixes may be mixed using a cement mixer or in a wheelbarrow using a shovel. Materials may be manually transported on site using wheelbarrows, trolleys and pallet jacks.

 

General cleaning and tidying-up tasks are performed.

 

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SPOTTER – ELECTRICAL, PLANT

 

A Spotter is a designated safety, observer responsible for ensuring equipment operators maintain safe operating distances from overhead or underground assets and utilities. Spotters observe and warn equipment operators against encroachment into exclusion zones established around the assets, such as overhead power lines.

 

A Spotter may be required when an excavator, backhoe, crane, elevated work platform (boom), scissor lift or other plant equipment is in operation. The Spotter liaises with the crane or plant operator during set-up regarding the operating requirements, including permits that may have been obtained. The Spotter measures out the exclusion zones accordingly.

 

The spotter maintains observation of the load and plant and its proximity to assets, such as overhead power lines and communicates directly with the operator by two-way radio, hand signals or whistle.

 

Spotting tasks are typically performed from ground level. Negotiation of uneven surfaces may be required, such as for sites under excavation.

 

Spotters may also travel to site with plant or mobile crane operators, and therefore may be required to climb steps and ladders to access vehicle cabins.

 

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STEEL FIXER

 

The Steel Fixer positions and assembles steel bars, ligatures and mesh sheeting to form reinforcement for concrete structures such as concrete slabs, columns, drainage and communication pits, wails and concrete barrier structures. Steel fixing occurs prior to the concrete pour. Duties include lifting and carrying materials onsite, including steel bars of various lengths up to 10m (typically up to 6.0m) and diameters up to 36mm (typically 12-25mm). Steel bars are typically lifted and carried indivdua1iy or in small bundles. A typical 16mm X 6.Om bar weighs 9.7kg.

 

Rarely, large structural beams, 36mm X 10m bars are lifted and carried into position by multiple workers as they weigh up to 82kg.

 

Ligatures vary from 1kg to up to 7kg for larger ligatures. Mesh sheets vary in size and weight, up to 66kg, and are lifted between two workers. Spacers (chairs) are used when positioning the components. The steel is tied into position using wire and hand held nips, involving gripping and a twisting forearm action. The steel may also be welded or clipped into position and is cut to size on site using an angle grinder, or for small gauge steel, using bolt cutters.

 

Access to the site may involve climbing stairs and ladders. The duties involve the negotiation of uneven surfaces and obstacles, including stepping on and between the lattice of steel bars and mesh sheeting forming the reinforcing steel structure, requiring a high level of balance.

 

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MANITOU OPERATOR

 

These workers operate Manitou (telescopic handler) to move, lift, stack and un-stack a wide variety of materials around site, including the loading and unloading of trucks and using the telescopic boom to place materials onto platforms and they often operate over uneven terrain. Duties are predominantly undertaken while seated, however the Operator may need to disembark from the Manitou to check loads and to perform minor adjustments, servicing, refuelling and safety checks.

 

Manitou seating is typically adjustable with air suspension. Controls vary between right and left arm for steering and fork controls.

 

Up to 50 per cent of tasks are performed in reverse depending on access and visibility. Reverse operation requires the use of mirrors as well as rotation of the trunk and cervical spine. The adjustment of fork width is performed manually, usually by foot or with the forks raised pulling/pushing the forks.

 

Daily safety/maintenance checks are performed and documented including checking tyres, water and oil.

 

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TILE LAYER

 

his worker lays a variety of ceramic, marble, slate, glass and other types of ties on external and internal floors and walls. Surfaces to be tiled are prepared by cleaning and scraping any dust and residue, and applying levelling compounds, sealers and waterproofing agents as required. This includes mixing and pouring the compounds in/from 20-25kg buckets, or mixing cement based mixes in larger quantities shovelling sand and the cement mixes into cement mixers and/or wheelbarrows for mixing, then transporting them around site as required.

 

Duties involve the use of shovels, hand trowels, paintbrushes, rollers, long handled brushes/brooms and caulking guns to fill cracks, gaps or holes. Surfaces are measured and marked according to tile patterns required.

 

Tile adhesive is applied using a grooved trowel to create a textured/corduroy adhesive surface. Cement based adhesive may be used for some floor tiling. Tiles are placed into position individually and separated by small spacers.

 

Tiles are cut to measure on site using tile cutting tools and cut to shape for edgings and around fittings. Grout is applied between the tiles using a small hand trowel and wiped from tile surfaces using a sponge.

 

Tiles are typically laid on floor surfaces and on walls from between floor level and ceiling height. Tiles are laid in a range of bathroom, toilet, kitchen and walkway environments, requiring work within confined spaces as well as more open areas.

 

Tiles vary greatly in size and weight. They are typically handled in boxes weighing up to 15kg. Boxes of tiles may weigh up to 35kg, in which case the boxes are opened and tiles handled individually wherever possible. Buckets of various compounds weighing up to 25kg are lifted and carried onsite. Bags of levelling compound mix weighing 20kg are lifted from between floor and waist level.

 

Access to the site may involve the use of stairs. The use of ladders and or elevated work platforms is required for upper level wall tiling.

 

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TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

 

Traffic Controllers monitor and control pedestrian and vehicle traffic in and adjacent to a variety of construction environments. This includes the setting-up of road and lane closures for traffic management and safety purposes. Duties include directing vehicles, pedestrians and construction workers, including using stop/slow lollipop style signage, opening and closing gates and temporary barricades. Communication with co-workers may involve hand signals and/or radio communications.

 

Duties involve the loading and unloading of equipment into storage areas and work vehicles, and assembling and installing temporary signage, cones and bollards on location. Reaching is required to switch on/off arrow boards that are mounted on the roof of vehicles.

 

Materials handled are typically less than 10kg. Bollard bases weigh 6kg, while temporary signage is typically less than 10kg when assembled. Predominantly, these are lifted and slid into vertical storage locations at the depot or on the back of the work vehicles. Bollard bases are slid over the bollard for assembly and are typically lifted and dragged into position by a handle at the top. Duties may involve driving a range of work vehicles such as utility, 2-3 ton trucks and up to 6-7 ton trucks, including impact attenuation vehicles, between sites and along roadways requiring signage and bollards.

 

Duties may involve periods of placing bollards onto the road from moving vehicles (at near walking pace) every 20m, particularly long freeways. This is typically performed from a 'drop deck platform' that is lowered from the rear of the vehicle. The platform has a surrounding cage but requires dynamic balance to maintain the standing position safely.

 

The bollards are assembled on the vehicle, passed between workers (when two are present) and lowered 300-400mm from the platform to the road. If only one worker is present they are required to step up and down onto the tray of the vehicle from the platform to collect the bollards.

 

Work hours vary and may involve setting-up and then packing up for night road works.

 

Duties involve exposure to pedestrians, traffic and busy construction environments, and include the negotiation of uneven surfaces and the climbing on/off the back of work vehicles via steps of up to 400mm in height.

 

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