Working with such large equipment and working alongside cars on busy highways can also make construction jobs very dangerous. However, most every road, building, and structure that we see and use in the modern world was built by construction workers, so they are essential members of society.

Here is what a typical day in the life of a construction worker might look like:

5:30AM: A construction worker’s day often starts early in the morning, as it’s important for construction workers to get as much work in early on in the day so they can avoid working too much at the hottest times of day. Around 5:30AM, a construction worker may arrive at his or her job site, where a new building is being built from the ground up, to meet up with the rest of his crew and get all the protective gear they will need for the day put together. They may start the day with a meeting to go over the tasks for that day.

7:00AM: Construction workers start using equipment once there is enough natural light out to see safely. A construction worker who has earned the appropriate license may use a crane to lift steel beams- which form the basic structure of a building- into place. Another construction worker might use a dump truck to dig dirt out of a site or even out the landscape. Yet another worker will use a concrete truck to create a concrete foundation for the building. Construction crews are often large, so there will be many workers on a job site, helping to smooth out concrete and make sure all crew members are safe.

8:30AM: Because construction work can be so strenuous, employees must take frequent breaks. Stopping to rest and drink plenty of water every couple of hours is required by law in most states.

10:30AM: Because construction workers have an early start to the day, they also take an early lunch. The large crew may enjoy lunch on the job site or eat nearby. Most construction workers avoid eating in restaurants on their breaks because they tend to get so dirty during the day.

11:30AM: As the day goes on and starts to get hotter, construction workers keep working. They may take advantage of decreased midday traffic to work on roads or work nearby. Construction crews can sometimes be disruptive on the roadway, so they avoid working too close to busy freeways in the morning and evening. Wearing proper eye and ear protection, construction workers will continue to slowly put buildings in place, using everything from basic hammers and nails to large bulldozers.

4:00PM: Construction workers often go home a little earlier than most people, but some construction workers continue through the night, especially those working on road repairs. Certainly, when one construction worker’s day ends, another is probably beginning!

The post A Day in the Life of a Construction Worker appeared first on Construction Management.