groundworker
Digs construction sites
A groundworker is a construction laborer who prepares sites before building begins, handling tasks like excavation, laying foundations, installing drainage systems, and pouring concrete.
The work is physically demanding and often involves operating machinery alongside manual labor.
In British usage especially, groundworker distinguishes these specialized foundation and earthwork trades from other construction roles.
The groundworkers finished laying the drainage pipes before the framers arrived.
Act of unearthing
- trenchingExcavating long narrow cuts
- foundationsStructural bases below ground
- drainageLiquid removal system
- pipeworkConnected tubes for fluids
earthworks · utilities · road construction · landscaping · concreting · paving · demolition · surveying
Machine that digs earth
- backhoeHinged-arm excavating machine
- trencherWooden food board
- bulldozerBladed vehicle pushing earth
- compactorMachine that compresses materials
dumper · digger · jackhammer · theodolite · spirit level · pickaxe · shovel · wheelbarrow
Manual excavation worker
- laborerPhysical task performer
- diggerOne who unearths
- crewmanMember of ship's staff
- gangOrganized criminal group
subcontractor · tradesman · operator · foreman · apprentice · journeyman · heavy lifting
Protective construction headwear
- high-visibilityEasily seen from distance
- steel-toe bootsFootwear with metal caps
- PPEHazard-shielding work attire
- risk assessmentEvaluating likelihood of harm
shoring · barriers · signage · protective gear · safety goggles · ear protection · gloves · scaffolding
excavation
Act of unearthing
- trenchingExcavating long narrow cuts
- foundationsStructural bases below ground
- drainageLiquid removal system
pipework · earthworks · utilities · road construction · landscaping · concreting · paving · demolition · surveying · grading
excavator
Machine that digs earth
compactor · dumper · digger · jackhammer · theodolite · spirit level · pickaxe · shovel · wheelbarrow · cement mixer
navvy
Manual excavation worker
gang · subcontractor · tradesman · operator · foreman · apprentice · journeyman · heavy lifting
hardhat
Protective construction headwear
- high-visibilityEasily seen from distance
- steel-toe bootsFootwear with metal caps
- PPEHazard-shielding work attire
risk assessment · shoring · barriers · signage · protective gear · safety goggles · ear protection · gloves · scaffolding
groundworkerroofer
Building-top construction worker
steeplejack · scaffolder · ironworker · bricklayer · chimney sweep
groundworkerfinisher
One who completes tasks
plasterer · decorator · painter · carpet fitter · tiler
groundworkeroffice worker
Indoor professional employee
architect · civil engineer · construction manager · surveyor
- lay the groundworkEstablish necessary preliminaries