What is the primary role of an ironworker during the installation of steel beams?

The primary role of an ironworker during the installation of steel beams is to hoist and guide the steel into place. This process requires significant physical skill and coordination, as ironworkers must maneuver heavy steel components into their correct positions on various structures, often at considerable heights. Additionally, they work closely with crane operators and other crew members to ensure that the beams are safely and accurately positioned before they are secured in place.

While welding and safety inspections are important aspects of ironworking, they are typically handled at different stages or by different specialists. Drafting technical designs is generally the responsibility of engineers or drafters, not ironworkers on the construction site. Thus, the essential task of hoisting and guiding steel beams highlights the critical physical and teamwork skills that define the ironworker's role on such projects.