Getting the Most from Your First Week On Site

Your first week at work in a new construction job is likely to feel a bit challenging. If you’re starting with a new company or completely new to the industry, it’s likely those first few days will be a little nerve-wracking or awkward as you navigate through the site as a ‘newbie’.

While the usual advice you get when you start any new job is useful, like the importance of getting to know your co-workers and making sure you bring some lunch, there’s plenty of other things to think about that are specific to construction jobs. Read on to learn how to make your first day on site and your first week a success.

Show up on Time, Every Time

This is probably the most obvious rule, but the number of people who turn up late to construction jobs on the first day and try on any excuse they can think of will surprise you.

Being punctual lets everyone on site, including your boss, know that you’re going to take your job seriously.
Bonus points for making sure you’re 15 minutes early and using the extra time to get to know some of your co-workers before the job starts! Getting to work early on the first day will help you feel more relaxed and less rushed – it’s always an easy win.

Dress Appropriately

Knowing what to wear to a construction site is a little bit trickier than a typical office job if you’re new to construction jobs. Forget about the tidy shoes and collared shirts – it’s all about PPE and safety.

As a bare minimum, you will need to make sure you have sturdy steel-toe boots, jeans or thick cotton pants, and a hat if it’s summer. Different work sites need to abide by different health and safety regulations, however, so it’s important to talk to your employer or labour hire agency about the exact dress requirements of the site you will be working on.

If you’re working with OneStaff as a temp, we will provide you with a full set of personal protective equipment, so you won’t have to worry about buying a pile of expensive gear.

Don’t Under-Do It, Even for Temporary Jobs

You’ve turned up on time for your first day on site and you’re wearing all the right gear – so what do you do now? If you’re new to the industry and don’t have much experience in construction jobs, it’s hard to know where to start.

Most of the time you will be working closely with one of the more experienced workers who will be able to show you the ropes. Sometimes however, everyone will be too busy and won’t have time to show you what to do. It’s important that you don’t take this as a cue to take a break.

There is always something that needs to be done on construction sites. If you can’t think of something to do, there are always floors to sweep, tools to be put away or areas to tidy up. The best approach is to ask your supervisor what you can help with right now.

Don’t Overdo It

As important as it is to work hard, you must make sure you don’t overwork yourself during your first week at work. Construction work can easily wear you out if you aren’t used to it. It’s important to make a good impression, but also be cautious when it comes to using equipment you’ve never used before and lifting things that are too heavy for you. Remember, it’s not a competition – you’re not being judged on strength, but you will be judged on your ability to work safely!

If in doubt, just ask for a hand. Take plenty of small breaks to keep hydrated, especially if it’s a hot day.

Stay Safe and Stay Alert

Construction sites have numerous potential hazards that could arise at any time, so you must be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. This includes listening out for hazards as well as seeing them.

Using your phone at work is usually a bad look anyway, and being distracted by your friend’s latest reel can be downright dangerous if you’re on a construction site.

We recommend just leaving your phone in your car, or just keeping it firmly in your pocket when you’re not having your break.

Find Construction and Temporary Jobs with OneStaff

Surviving your first week at work is a good start to a career in the construction industry, but if you want to lift your pay bracket, simply turning up and working will only get you so far. Your greatest resources are the experienced people that you work with.
Take the time to listen to them and observe why they do their jobs so well, and you will learn the tricks of the trade in no time.

Congratulations on successfully making it through your first day on the job and surviving your first week on a construction site! The team at OneStaff are here to support you every step of the way. Stay connected with us for practical advice and to find temporary jobs in construction, industrial and manufacturing. Take a look at our open jobs listed here or contact our labour hire team for help with finding your next role.