What Makes a Good Concrete Laborer?

On construction projects, concrete laborers are responsible for designing and building structures using concrete materials. A good concrete laborer should be skilled enough to execute planning, making, pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the demand for skilled and trained construction workers is on the rise. As a result, more and more construction companies are pushing their boundaries to expand their workforces. To keep up with the race, more sophisticated workforce management strategies are being implemented. For instance, Bridgit Bench is a leading resource management software for stamped concrete contractors. 

Apart from driveways or sidewalks, concrete laborers also undertake crucial projects such as building foundations. Therefore, specialized skills are vital for a concrete laborer. To know more about what a concrete contractor’s job entails, read here: https://gobridgit.com/blog/concrete-contractor-job-what-does-it-involve/.

What makes a good concrete laborer?

Here are some qualities that contractors should search for when hiring a good concrete laborer. 

1. Physical endurance

Physical strength and stamina are the most vital aspects of a good concrete worker. A majority of their tasks are strenuous and performed in various weather conditions. Moreover, a concrete laborer has to mix, lift, pour, blend, and operate handheld power tools. Therefore, excellent physical condition is a must for any concrete worker. 

2. Dexterity and communication skills

Beyond physical endurance, a construction laborer should possess good dexterity, coordination, and communication skills. Whether small or big, a concrete project is all about timing, so concrete workers have to move their hands, arms, and legs quickly. Similarly, good hand-eye coordination and grasping power are also vital. 

Furthermore, concrete workers often work closely or under the supervision of big construction companies, contractors, or roofers. So good teamwork and communication skills are imperative for the project to function smoothly. In the absence of good communication, the possibility of construction-related risks increases. 

3. Knowledge and math skills

Although a formal education is not mandatory for concrete workers, they should be experienced enough to understand the specifications of the project. Similarly, math skills are a must for performing tasks that require accurate measurements. 

To help aspiring candidates, several technical institutes offer certificate or diploma programs in masonry. On-the-job training is also provided by companies as per their specific requirements. 

4. Mechanical and on-site knowledge

A good construction laborer should have a stronghold over their chosen trade. This means possessing knowledge of related tools, various concrete materials, and their set time. Concrete tasks are multi-dimensional, involving the repair and restoration of high buildings, bridges, highways, and the use of sophisticated machinery. 

Therefore, a worker must have sound knowledge about various projects. 

5. Time management

Construction projects are mostly time-bound. To meet deadlines, every stakeholder needs to put effort into time management.

There are several ways to incorporate good time management skills in your workforce, but a certain degree of flexibility is needed to adhere to project standards and promote a healthy work environment. 

6. Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Concrete work is all about accuracy and precision. A slight mistake can significantly hamper the finishing. Therefore, paying close attention to standard procedures and blueprints is crucial. The same is the case with operating heavy machines. Sticking to proper protocol ensures they’ll be following safety standards. 

Due to the large-scale nature of construction jobs, issues often arise. During unexpected situations, a good concrete worker should be able to handle emergencies well, which is where the importance of strong problem-solving skills comes in. Big or small, problems solved at a grassroots level can save a lot of time and resources for any organization.

What does a concrete laborer do?

Concrete laborers are responsible for mixing, pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete. During the job, they operate hand-held power tools or more sophisticated machinery. Generally, a concrete worker’s job involves (but is not limited to) the following tasks:  

Site preparation: After contractors select the construction site, concrete laborers prepare the location to be worked upon. They prepare wire meshing, assist in excavation, and perform structure alignment tests. In general, they’re responsible for ensuring there’s a good base for the project. 

Forming and Mixing: During this stage, workers build a frame to mold the concrete into desired shapes. After that, concrete is mixed thoroughly. 

Pouring: Workers then pour the concrete into the frames with the help of machines. They must ensure the concrete is spread evenly for a durable finish. 

 Finishing: This is often the last stage. The concrete laborer levels and puts finishing touches on the concrete before it hardens.

In addition to what’s listed, concrete laborers perform repair or re-installation of damaged concrete structures. 

Concrete laborer salary and career outlook

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean wage of cement masons and cement finishers is $47,340 per year. The average per hour salary for a concrete laborer is $22.76.

Demand forecast

The same report outlines the extensive demand for concrete laborers in various sectors, such as: 

• Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
• Highway, street, and bridge construction
• Nonresidential building Construction
• Residential building construction
• Other specialty trade contractors

The demand for concrete workers is expected to rise due to the increase in the popularity of polished concrete. 

Resource management for concrete workers

The management of resources (including labor) is paramount in construction. You can make use of software solutions like Bridgit Bench by booking a trial or demo to streamline everyday tasks, employee scheduling, and equipment management. 

A construction laborer’s job can be strenuous and laborsome. Poor equipment and workforce management add more work and undue pressure. Efforts should be made to better scheduling and allocation, which is where the importance of workforce intelligence comes in. Big or small, any construction company can streamline its processes with technological solutions.