Ironworkers - Main Ironworkers Ironworkers put up steel frameworks for buildings and other structures. There are several types of ironworkers. Fabrication ironworkers work at shops rather than at construction sites. They receive raw steel and cut, bend, drill, bolt, and weld each piece to match the order. These workers prepare structural steel, reinforcing rods, and ornamental iron.
Structural ironworkers erect the steel frames for buildings.
They also assemble the cranes and derricks that move steel, reinforcing bars, concrete, and other supplies around the construction site. Since cranes and derricks arrive in pieces, ironworkers connect the sections and attach the cables that do the hoisting. Next, they unload and stack the fabricated steel. Once they start working on the building, ironworkers read blueprints and follow instructions from supervisors. When hoisting steel, one worker uses hand signals to direct the hoist operator.