The construction industry is one of the biggest in the world, offering lots of job opportunities for all kinds of workers. There are many areas of construction to look into making a career from. Is all construction work hard?
Most construction roles are physically demanding which is why it is considered hard work. Every day requires physical labour lifting heavy materials, constantly moving tools and objects. There are early mornings and late nights. While it’s hard work, the construction industry can be very rewarding.
Let’s talk more about what makes construction work hard.
Is construction work hard labour?
Working in the construction field as any kind of labourer is physically demanding which can make the work hard. It’s not always that it’s a challenge, but you’re constantly using your muscles to move materials, dig up surfaces, and hold new structures in place. This can fatigue your muscles and make them sore at the end of a long day. Construction work requires a certain level of strength to complete these tasks which is what makes it qualify as hard work.
There is also the fact that construction workers are exposed to a range of weather conditions and continue to push through. It is hard to work through almost a 12-hour day in hot weather. The morning air can be a shock in the winter. But you won’t ever feel like you haven’t worked hard! Some common construction site jobs that require hard work are:
- Preparing the construction site by cleaning and removing any hazardous material or debris.
- Offloading or loading construction materials.
- Building temporary structures as a barricade around the main building or construction.
- Digging trenches, compacting the ground for construction, or backfilling holes.
- Operating construction equipment like concrete mixers.
- Demolishing buildings.
- Scrubbing and painting.
But construction workers are paid well because they work hard. This field can be challenging, but very rewarding. There’s a reason why so many people get into a trade and with the demand for workers, there’s no better time to join the industry! Whether you’re a skilled or general labourer, there are plenty of opportunities for you to work hard and progress your career.
Why is construction work hard?
Construction work is considered hard because it involves a lot of physical labour. Materials need to be carried, loaded and offloaded on the truck. They also need to be moved from one end of the worksite to the other. It also involves long working hours to meet deadlines and a range of weather conditions that you work in. Construction work involves getting your hands dirty; it is where the real action takes place.
There is also a lot of pressure to learn and perfect your skills in the construction industry. This does result in quality builds, which is important. But it can be a bit stressful for new labourers. You are shown what to do and how to do a task properly a couple of times. But by the third go, there is an expectation to be able to handle the task yourself and know what you’re doing.
But, with this being said, you get to learn so many skills by working in the construction industry. You can become a skilled labourer for hire and have lots of opportunities to work on amazing projects. Then you get to see the result of all your hard work in a beautiful building!
Will construction work always be hard?
Working in construction won’t always be as hard as when you first start. Your strength and stamina will build with your other skills and the work becomes easier to handle. Over time you might find that you can appreciate the work more because you understand the effort that goes into it. Plus, you build connections with other labourers and this comradery always makes work easier.
If you show an interest to learn and do jobs correctly, other builders will take you under their wing. Employers will also appreciate the hard work and effort you are putting into the project. This can lead to lots of other opportunities to grow your career in the construction industry. You could start out as a labourer and end up being a major supervisor for construction sites. The possibilities are endless if you put in the effort.
These opportunities can push you into less physically demanding roles, making the work a bit easier. And then you could be challenged with your problem-solving and management skills. It’s an exciting thing to consider.
How tiring is working in construction?
We can all agree that all work is tiring, but some work exhausts your physical and mental powers. Construction is one such work. The National Safety Council published a 20-page report showing that 69% of construction, transportation, manufacturing, and utility industry workers were tired. This is because of how much physical and mental effort goes into this work.
You spend the day moving materials and tools, digging, and constructing projects. All of this will cause physical tiredness. The construction industry also has a lot of safety risks involved. This requires constant analysing of the work scene to reduce the risk of injury. By having to continually be considering safety and problem-solving, there is a mental drain on construction workers. But at least this is an industry that does challenge workers in both senses.
You are likely to feel drowsy and tired with reduced energy after construction work. If you are a beginner, you may feel sour muscles. However, the body adapts, experiencing less fatigue once you are used to it.
Is construction work good?
There are benefits to working in construction that make it worth the hard work. Pay is a big factor that encourages people to join the construction industry. Labourers get a decent pay because of the hours they work and the physical demand of the job. When you get to work on major projects such as bridges and new tunnel systems, the pay is excellent.
The other good thing about putting in hard work in the construction industry is the relationships that are built. There is loyalty that occurs between big contractors and labourers, offering more money-making opportunities. Also, building a good relationship with labour hire companies gives you a constant reference for work. This means you have good job stability. But it’s more than this.
While construction work is hard, you’re always backed by a team of workers in the same position. You can make lifelong friends who will help you out at the drop of a hat. All of you will have the skills to set up each other’s lives, literally providing roofs over each other’s heads.
There are also, as we mentioned, lots of opportunities to advance your career. You gain these through hard work and learning new skills. It can lead to you upskilling in various areas ranging from operations to management.
Construction work will also help you stay fit, active, and healthy. Did you know that living a sedentary life is bad for your health? The human body is built to run, move, lift, bend, and stretch, benefits that you can derive from construction work.
So, while construction work is hard, there are so many benefits to take away from this industry. This makes it a great career choice!
Are you looking to get into the construction industry? Check out our Canberra Labour Hire job board for positions such as carpenters assistant work. Looking for skilled and general labourers for hire in Canberra? Get in touch with our Canberra Labour Hire team today!
