1) There are more female construction workers than you think
It’s not uncommon to see a woman on the job site, either in a hard hat or safety vest. Women are the fastest-growing demographic in construction and more and more are entering the field every year. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up 5% of all construction workers in 2014. That number is expected to grow by 5% each year until 2020. Plus, there are plenty of other interesting facts about construction workers that might surprise you:
- The median annual income for a carpenter was $43,150 in 2015.
- Construction can be one of the most hazardous professions for males.
- According to an industry group known as FMI (Fellowship for Christian Musicians), the average salary for a project musician working with construction companies was $33 per hour in 2011, but that may vary depending on their specialty within the music industry.
2) Construction Work is not for Everyone
Construction work is not for everyone. It’s demanding and physically challenging, but it can also be rewarding. If you are considering a career in the construction industry here are five things you didn’t know about the profession:
- Construction workers have one of the highest injury rates out of all industries, so if that worries you then maybe don’t start your career in construction.
- A lot of people think that construction workers only work with their hands, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. A large part of their job is mental- they have to focus on safety while they’re working and they need to problem-solve as they go along. They also use power tools which come with their dangers. So it isn’t just manual labor!
- Construction workers spend less time at home than other jobs because of how long projects last and they often travel a lot during these projects, which means less time spent doing what they love like spending time with family or friends. But again, some see this as a perk since it provides more room for professional development or growth opportunities abroad.
- When a project finishes there will always be new ones waiting around the corner so even when there’s downtime there is still something going on to keep those bills paid!
3) It’s hard work… it’s physical work
It’s hard work, it’s physical work, and in some cases, it can be downright dangerous. But the rewards are worth the risk. Here are five things you might not know about construction workers:
- Construction workers often carry heavy tools to do their job.
- Some construction sites have hazardous conditions that can pose a safety threat to employees.
- Construction worker jobs often require working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Construction workers need good hand-eye coordination and communication skills to get their work done efficiently.
- Construction workers are required to wear steel-toed boots and other protective gear while on site to avoid injuries from falls or sharp objects like broken glass or nails.
The dangers faced by construction workers are real and serious. An average of 150 construction workers are killed each year on U.S. job sites, while an estimated 100,000 more suffer nonfatal injuries due to accidents and hazards in construction zones.
These accidents can cause serious injuries including amputation, burn injury, brain injury, and spinal cord damage (among others). The most common accident is falling from a height—about 20 percent of deaths occurred when a worker was struck or crushed by an object or equipment failure on site and about 15 percent died due to a fall from a height.
4) Working in extreme weather conditions
Working in extreme weather conditions is just one of the many challenges that construction workers face daily. The sun, wind, rain, and other elements can take their toll on your body, leaving you feeling fatigued and drained by the end of the day. These conditions also present a risk to yourself and others around you as they may cause slippery surfaces or hard-to-see objects.
It is important to keep these things in mind when working in extreme weather so that you can do your job safely without injuring yourself or someone else. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather; cover any exposed skin with sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves; make sure to stay hydrated; drink plenty of water throughout the day even if it feels like you’re not sweating. Be mindful of slips and falls by wearing safety boots and rubber-soled shoes.
If you are having trouble concentrating on tasks due to the heat, try spending some time in an air-conditioned area or going for a walk outside where there will be more shade.
5) Health & Safety Risks
Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. It’s not just the high risk of falls, but also exposure to things like asbestos, benzene, and other toxic substances. These substances can have a long-term negative impact on your health.
Construction workers are more likely to be injured at work and more likely to die on the job than in any other profession. Some studies show that as many as 50% of construction workers have some form of hearing loss due to loud machinery and noise exposure.
Construction workers suffer from many types of musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome and herniated discs, which can lead to permanent disability or even death.