They are employed in the
construction industry and
work predominantly on
construction sites and are
typically engaged in aspects
of the industry other than
design or finance.
The term includes general
construction workers, also
referred to as laborers and
members of specialist trades
such electricians, carpenters
and plumbers.
CONSTRUCTION LABOURS
What does a construction worker do?
Construction is an industry that requires working at ever-changing
locations and work environments. This profile refers to general
construction workers. Others at a construction site include
electricians, carpenters and plumbers.
Some of the main duties of a general construction worker are to:
Install various commercial, industrial or residential systems.
Ensure that projects conform to building codes and regulations.
Use, clean and maintain various types of equipment.
Supervise or apprentice other workers.
The construction industry is divided into three major
segments.
Construction of buildings contractors, or general contractors,
build residential, industrial, commercial, and other buildings.
Heavy and civil engineering construction contractors build
sewers, roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, and other projects.
Specialty trade contractors are engaged in specialized activities
such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, and electrical work
THE TWO ACTS WHICH FALL TO THE CATEGORY OF THE
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ARE AS FOLLOWS
THE BUILDING AND OTHER
CONSTRUCTION
WORKERS' WELFARE
CESS ACT, 1996 ACT NO.
28 OF 1996
THE BUILDINGS AND
OTHER CONSTRUCTION
WORKERS (REGULATION
OF EMPLOYMENT AND
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE)
ACT, 1996 ACT NO. 27 OF
1996
THE BUILDING AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION WORKERS'
WELFARE CESS ACT, 1996 ACT NO. 28 OF 1996 [19th August,
1996] BE
it enacted by Parliament in the Forty-seventh Year of the Republic
of India as follows:-
An act to provide for the levy.
And collection of a cess on the cost of construction incurred by
employers with a view to augmenting the resources of the Building
and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Boards constituted under
the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of
Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996.
Short title, extent and commencement.
•This Act may be called the Building and Other
Construction Workers' Welfare Cess Act, 1996.
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 3rd
day of November, 1995.
BUILDING AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION
WORKERS(REGULATION OF EMPLOYMENT
AND WORKING CONDITIONS)ACT, 1996
There are about 8.5 million building and other construction workers in
India as per the estimates of National Sample Survey (1987-88).
These workers are one of the most numerous and vulnerable
segments of the unorganized sector in India.
The building and other construction works are characterized by their
inherent risk to the life and limb of the workers.
The work is also characterized by its casual nature, temporary
relationship between employer and employee, uncertain working hours,
lack of basic amenities and inadequacy of welfare facilities.
Although the provisions of various Labor Laws i.e., Minimum Wages
Act 1948, Contract Labor (Regulation & Abolition) Act1970 and Inter-
State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment & Conditions of
Services) Act 1979 etc., are applicable to the building and other
construction workers, a need was felt for a comprehensive Central
Legislation for this category of workers.
The above law aims to provide for regulation of
employment & conditions of service of the building and
other construction workers as also their safety, health and
welfare measures in every establishment which employs or
employed during the preceding year ten or more workers.
The exception made is only in respect of residential houses
for own purpose constructed with a cost not exceeding Rs.
10 lakh and such other activities to which the provisions of
Factories Act, 1948 and Mines Act, 1952 apply.
AIM:
CONSTRUCTION SITES ARE RIFE THE FOLLOWING SOURCES OF
DANGER:
Slip and trip hazards
Overhead electrical wires and other exposed wiring
Sharp edges
Falls from elevation
Massive machinery and objects incorporated in construction
Actively used chemicals
Commonly sustained injuries caused by the above include:
Electrical and chemical burns
Poisoning
Amputation
Severe lacerations
Traumatic brain injuries
Repetitive strain injuries
Crush injuries
Most employees in this industry work full time, and many work
over 40 hours a week.
In 2002, about 1 in 5 construction workers worked 45 hours or
more a week.
Construction workers may sometimes work evenings,
weekends, and holidays to finish a job or take care of an
emergency.
Workers in this industry need physical stamina because the
work frequently requires prolonged standing, bending, stooping,
and working in cramped quarters.
They also may be required to lift and carry heavy objects.
Exposure to weather is common because much of the work is
done outside or in partially enclosed structures.
Construction workers often work with potentially dangerous
tools and equipment amidst a clutter of building materials
some work on temporary scaffolding or at great heights and in
bad weather. Consequently, they are more prone to injuries than
are workers in other jobs.
Pain or injury from physical overexertion, repetitive manual tasks, or
working in awkward positions.
Exposure to moulds, fungi and bird or rodent droppings.
Exposure to lead, wood dust, asbestos, paints, solvents, and other
toxic chemicals or materials.
Working in extreme temperatures and UV radiation.
Working with hand tools, powered tools and heavy powered
equipment.
Excess vibration in the hands, arms or body from powered tools or
equipment.
Confined spaces.
Noise.
Working at heights.
Electrical hazards.
Working with cranes, hoists, and other material handling equipment.
Slips, trips and falls.
Respiratory and fire hazards from wood dust.
Stress
Shift work or extended work days
Keep tools and equipment in good working order.
Use correct personal protective equipment and apparel, including
safety footwear.
Keep all work areas clear of clutter and equipment.
Avoid awkward body positions or take frequent breaks.
Learn safe lifting techniques.
Follow a recommended shift work pattern, and be aware of the
associated hazards.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Follow safety procedures for:
Confined space entry
Working at heights
Electrical safety
Lockout/tagout of machinery
Machinery
Ladders
Material handling
Working with tools and equipment
Practice safe lifting techniques.
Follow company safety rules.
Stay informed about chemical hazards,
WHMIS and MSDS.
Know how to report a hazard.
Follow good housekeeping procedures.