Question 1

What does a construction labourer do in Australia?

Accepted Answer

A construction labourer assists tradespeople with manual tasks, loads and unloads materials, cleans sites, operates basic equipment, and sets up temporary structures. Construction labourers work on residential, commercial, civil and infrastructure projects. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), construction labourers are typically classified at CW1 or CW2 level depending on their skills and duties.

Question 2

What award covers construction labourers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Construction labourers are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working on building and construction sites. Always verify which award applies to your specific construction business.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a construction labourer?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, construction labourers typically start at CW1 (Construction Worker Level 1) for basic labouring tasks. CW2 applies to labourers with some training or experience who can perform more varied tasks. See our Building and Construction Award rates guide for current classifications.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a construction labourer job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive rates based on experience.' Check the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 for current rates.

Question 5

What is a White Card and do construction labourers need one?

Accepted Answer

A White Card (General Construction Induction Card) is mandatory for all workers on construction sites in Australia. It demonstrates completion of general construction induction training covering basic safety awareness. Without a valid White Card, a person cannot work on a construction site. The training takes one day and the card is valid nationally.

Question 6

How long does it take to get a White Card?

Accepted Answer

White Card training can be completed in a single day through face-to-face training, or online in some states. After completing the training and passing the assessment, the card is typically issued within a few days. Online courses offer flexibility but face-to-face training is preferred by many employers.

Question 7

Do construction labourers need First Aid certification?

Accepted Answer

While not always mandatory for entry-level labourers, First Aid certification is highly valued and often preferred by employers. On larger sites, having First Aid trained staff is a safety requirement. Many employers encourage or provide First Aid training to their construction staff.

Question 8

What other licences are useful for construction labourers?

Accepted Answer

Additional licences that enhance employability include: forklift licence (LF), elevated work platform (EWP) ticket, manual handling training, working at heights certification, confined spaces ticket, and a driver's licence. These qualifications open up more varied work opportunities and higher classification levels.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent construction labourers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your project pipeline and workload. Permanent staff provide consistency for ongoing projects, while casuals offer flexibility for variable workloads and short-term projects. Many construction companies use a mix of both. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to construction labourers?

Accepted Answer

Penalty rates under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and overtime. Construction work often involves early starts and weekend work, so penalty rates are common. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for construction labourers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, minimum engagement periods apply — typically 4 hours for casual employees. However, construction shifts are usually 8-10 hours per day. Check the award for specific requirements and any site-specific agreements.

Question 12

What should I include in a construction labourer employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level (CW1/CW2), employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, work locations and sites, shift patterns and hours, PPE requirements, White Card verification, and site safety induction requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to construction labourers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, reasonable notice of shifts should be provided. Construction rosters often change based on weather, site conditions and project progress, but giving staff advance notice helps with planning and reduces absenteeism. Using rostering software helps ensure clear communication and gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts.

Question 14

Can I require construction labourers to work different sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes, multi-site construction work is common in the industry. Ensure you clearly communicate site rotation expectations in the job description and consider travel time and distance between locations. Some labourers may need to travel to different sites within a region or work on projects of varying duration.

Question 15

What breaks are construction labourers entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, employees are entitled to meal breaks and rest breaks. The timing and duration depend on shift length and site agreements. Many sites have set break times coordinated across crews. Use break planning tools to manage breaks effectively.

Question 16

How do I schedule construction labourers efficiently?

Accepted Answer

Schedule construction staff based on project requirements, trade coordination, crew sizes and site access times. Consider weather forecasts, equipment availability and material deliveries. Match experienced labourers with more complex tasks where possible. Use rostering software to improve schedules and ensure adequate site coverage.

Construction labourer job description