Ironworkers are involved in erecting buildings and bridges as well as other structures. They follow blueprints to hoist and install structural steel as well as precast concrete, reinforcing materials and other metals used in construction. They set up the framework of building by positioning steel girders or other structural elements and then bolting them into place.
Ironworkers are usually employed by construction companies and sub-contractors and their wages depend on a variety of factors such as demand and skill levels.
Although structural steel work is the basis of the ironworkers' trade, you may find yourself carrying out a number of other tasks related to construction. You may assemble prefabricated buildings, do some welding or reinforce concrete by inserting metal bars or mesh into it while it is setting. You may be called upon to install steel studs for framing interior walls or to adjust and position steel joists to support concrete floors or ceilings. You may also find yourself working with ornamental steel or other structural metalwork such as railings, power doors, metal stairways and handrails.
Apart from working directly with structural steel, your most important task will be to erect scaffolding. This is almost a trade in itself. The construction of a scaffold surrounding a structure or a building is essential if the remaining workers are to be able to perform their duties safely.
As an ironworker, you are the first to arrive at a building site. The work you do makes it possible for workers in other trades to complete their tasks. Ironwork is both physically demanding and often dangerous. You may find yourself working outside at great heights while contending with rain or wind. A girder covered with rain or melted snow can be very slippery, and if you fall, you could suffer serious injury. You also hoist and position steel units or heavy concrete forms. As a result, you may suffer from pulled muscles, bad back or other work-related injuries.
The job demands thought and planning. You have to be able to read and understand blueprints in order to position the steel or concrete units properly. Understanding the often complicated processes involved in building scaffolding and rigging is also very important. Rigging poses a special problem. Since the cables must be able to bear heavy weights, the strength required of the cables must be calculated carefully ahead of time.
Ironworking is physically demanding and you must be fit enough to do the work required. You need good upper body strength combined with agility and you should not be afraid of heights. Mechanical ability is also essential since you are often called upon to perform a variety of tasks which require manual skills and tool-handling ability. You must be flexible enough to deal with the numerous other tasks that are assigned to you, and mobile enough to go from site to site, often on short notice.
This is a job for those who enjoy fast-paced and physically challenging work. You have to be prepared to work hard and to understand and cope with the dangers of the job. Although ironworking attracts some people with a daredevil streak, most of your co-workers are very conscious of safety requirements and do not take unnecessary risks.
Ironworkers are often part of a crew or team of workers. Well-developed interpersonal skills are necessary in maintaining good working relationships with your colleagues. At the same time, you should be serious and conscientious enough to solve problems on your own and take the initiative, if necessary.
What You Need
Suite 101
30 Concourse Gate
Nepean, Ontario K2E 7V7
Tel. (613) 225-0573