General labourers are skilled in a range of maintenance and labour tasks. Many have a trade background with specific skills in one area, while others are happy to work under your direction and provide a willing hand with whatever you’re doing. Here are some of the most common general labouring tasks and what you can expect:
Cleaning and maintenanceCommon labouring jobs involve cleaning, especially cleaning up a worksite after tradespeople have finished. They’ll start by clearing out larger debris using a wheelbarrow and shovel, and loading it into a skip or trailer. Next, they’ll sweep the area to remove small debris, dirt, and dust. Finally, they may mop or pressure wash all suitable surfaces (depending on whether it’s inside or outside), paying special attention to any stains, mortar, or grout that’s been left behind.
Trades assistanceWhile labourers aren’t necessarily licensed tradespeople, they do often help out tradespeople with plumbing, carpentry, and building tasks. Carpenters or builders may get help with removing old structures, moving wood, steadying framework, and other tasks that need an extra pair of hands. Plumbers may need help with cleaning up, moving pipework, and lifting parts. In any case, the licensed tradesperson will oversee the work and ensure it is carried out safely and to a high standard.
Digging holes and trenchesGeneral labouring often involves digging - especially by hand. Your labourer will bring their own shovel and other required tools, or you may supply the tools at the worksite. They may help dig holes for fences, dig trenches for drainage, remove stumps, or level out soil ready for landscaping.
Moving and loading Your labourer can help move materials from one part of your site to another or load them onto a truck or trailer. These materials could include soil, gravel, roadbase, timber, bricks, paving, garden waste, corrugated iron, rocks, plants, and even furniture. They’ll use a combination of tools, depending on the job, including shovels, forks, wheelbarrows, and gloves.
