DEPARTMENT OF QUANTITY SURVERYING

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING & SURVEYING

REPORT B:

LABOUR COST

NAME

: KHAIRUL AZMAN BIN ANUAR

MATRIX NO

: 2013239324

GROUP

: AP114 5FCONTENT OF REPORT

GUIDELINE FOR REPORT B

2.0 LABOUR PRICES a) Objective: To gain knowledge on various labour prices in the construction industry and the factors affecting labour prices.

b) Methodology:

i) Interviews with contractors and labourers

ii) Interviews with quantity surveyors

iii) Rates from bills of quantities

iv) Other relevant sources

c) Students shall select between 10 to 16 trades of different labour categories and sub-

contract labour cost within the last 2 years from at least 10 sources.

d) An analysis shall be given on the labour prices:

i. the labour price range and the average labour price for each labour

ii. the possible reasons for the differences in labour prices.

e) The report shall be between 1500 2000 words. (not including appendices) 1.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Compassionate.

First of all, my thanks and gratitude should be dedicated to Allah S.W.T as He has given me the opportunity to complete this report just in time as without his consent I may not be able to do so. During the whole 4 months of industrial training, I have learnt a lot and the main objective of industrial training had been achieved which was to expose students with the current quantity surveying practices.

Secondly, I would like to thank ARH JuruUkur Bahan for they have given me the ultimate experience of working environment in a quantity surveying firm which this experience will give an early insight of my future profession. Other than the experience, ARH JuruUkur Bahans staffs also have given me all the information and guidance which was essential in completing this report.

Not to be forgotten, my thanks are also for Puan Suhaila Binti Ali whom acted as my Industrial Training Supervisor during my training has given me the perfect guidance, advices and opinions on any enquiries and doubt given by me. Time and spaces which has been spent while giving me helps and guidance are guaranteed to be very much appreciated.

Lastly I would like to thank my parents and fellow friends which have helped directly and indirectly during industrial training in completing this report. They have given me genuine moral and material support along the way in completing this report. Again, thank you to all parties that have contributed and helped in completing this report

INTRODUCTION

Industrial training or formerly known as practical training is one of the requirements needed to be fulfilled by Diploma students. One must complete minimum 17 weeks of industrial training period in order to achieve the objectives of the training. In those weeks, a student will be able to obtain new experience and set of skills such as managerial and technical skills in real work situations. Eventually, this will allow students to enhance career knowledge and early exposure of professional training to equate with current practice.

The objectives of preparing the reports are to provide an opportunity for students to interact and coordinate with the various parties involved in the construction team. This report will also provide an opportunity for the students to conduct a small-scaled survey and investigation on a particular area of interact and the capability to prepare a systematic structured technical report. Report B is about data collection and brief analysis. Students are required to collect data and prepare relevant analysis on the data collected. Topics of the report must be based on availability of the data and ease of doing the analysis. The topics shall be ONE of the following:

i) Construction Material Prices

ii) Labour Prices

iii) Plant and Machinery Prices

iv) Residential Building Selling Prices

v) Office Rental Prices

vi) Feasibility Study

vii) Preparation of Final Account

viii) Contract Management

I choose the second option that is labour prices. I think this option will give me a lot of knowledge about the labour cost and also the responsibility on their work. Labour cost is the second important element of cost of production. Wages, salaries and other forms of remunerations represent a major portion of the total cost of a product or services. The growth and profitability of the concern depends upon proper utilization of human resources or labour forces which in turn needs proper accounting and control of cost. Thus, control of labour cost is a very significant issue from the viewpoint of management.As we known, the construction project involves the use of many trade works . Each job requires some trade experts who called skilled labour and unskilled labor. Each labour category has its own wage rates depending on the work done. Every price depends on the construction labour force skill level itself, project location, building type, the rate of demand and supply and labour standards living in an area. Some price of labour can vary along the project period. This may be due to uncertain market conditions and predicted difficulties. Even from year to year the price of labor has increased. The price of labour also vary by location especially between states. However, diversity also occurred in the price of labour in the same state where the price of labor in urban areas is higher compared to inland areas.

Diversity in the price of labour causes the value of construction contracts for projectsthe same to be different.Each contractor will put the price per work on construction labour offered by the sub-contractor labour searched or appointed by them.This is because each item of work covers the cost of materials, cost labour and machinery costs.

By having knowledge of fluctuation in labour prices, we as people who involve in construction industry is able to identify and compare the price of construction labour bylocation and trade in terms of range and average and also identify factors that influence the price variation for construction labour and listing key factors according to trade.3.0 DEFINITION OF LABOURLabour is defined as a worker who is employed by an employer and they must be paid the rate of their respective works. Aconstruction workeris atradesman,labourer(by tradition considered an unskilled tradesman), orprofessionalemployed in the physical constructionof thebuilt environmentand itsinfrastructure.

A lot of Malaysian people do not like to involve in construction industry because it commanded them to work under the sunlight and involve all the hard work. That is why we can see a lot of foreign labour had controlled the construction industry. Government of Malaysia had written out the act that must be following in order to hire foreign labour. There are plenty labourer that come to Malaysia such as from foreign countries such as Indonesia, India, Bangladesh and Thailand. As explained previously, they are the working force of the construction industry where they are given the responsibilities to construct the building.

Labourers can be divided into two categories in a construction project and they are:

There are a reason of these classifications of labourers. This is because the ones with special skill as they are paid with a different rate. Moreover, with this separation, it is easily to class their work and assign tasks to the labourers. These labours are hired based on the Malaysian Employment Act 1955. These workers must also be paid in accordance to this act. SKILLED LABOURSkillis a measure of the amount of worker's expertise, specialization, wages, and supervisory capacity.Skilled workersare generally more trained, higher paid, and have more responsibilities thanunskilledworkers.

Education is an important factor in increasing skill level. The increase in number of people attending high schools and colleges contribute to the increase in the supply of skilled labor. Mass education, however, is not the only factor. Immigration is also a big contributor. Immigrants created a bimodal skill distribution, where most immigrants were either low skill or high skill workers. There were few who were in between.

One of the factors that increases the relative demand for skilled labor is attributed to the introduction of computers. In order to operate computers, workers must build up their human capital in order to learn how such a piece of machinery works. Thus, there is an increase in the demand for skilled labor. In addition to the technological change of computers, the introduction of electricity also replaces man power (unskilled labor) which, in turn, also shifts out the demand curve.

Technology, however, is not the only factor. Trade and the effects of globalization also play a role in affecting the relative demand of skilled labor. One case includes a developed country purchasing imports from a developing country, which in turn replaces products made with domestic low-skilled labor. This, in turn, decreased the demand for low-skilled workers in the developed country. Both of these factors, thus, increase the wages of highly skilled workers in the country

Skilled labourers are labourers who have certain skills in certain trades.

1) Bricklayer

2) Concreter

3) Masonry

4) Carpenter

5) Steel bar & welder

6) Plasterer

7) Pavior

8) Painter

9) Glazier

10) Plumber

11) Drain layer

12) Operator

13) Lorry driver

14) Bitumen workerUNSKILLED LABOUR

A segment of the work force associated with a low skill level or a limited economic value for the work performed (human capital). Unskilled labor is generally characterized by low education levels and small wages. Work that requires no specific education or experience is often available to workers who fall into the unskilled labor force.Skilled labourers are labourers who have certain skills in certain trades. They are hired to do work that requires their skill. These skilled labourers can obtain their skills from the registered institute that will give certificate for qualified person . Not all skilled labourers are graduates from such institutes where some have skills solely based from their past experience in their respective trades. These labourers would usually be hired given that they would perform with no problems and these labourers usually have several experiences in different places.Skilled labourers help the contractors by saving their cost by shortening their time to carry out any work. These skilled labourers can be divided in accordance to their skill in any elements or trades.

Unskilled labor provides a significant part of the overall labor market, performing daily production tasks that do not depend on technical abilities or skills. Menial or repetitive tasks are typical unskilled labor positions. Jobs that can be fully learned in less than 30 days often fall into the unskilled labor category

The rate for male unskilled labour is higher compared female unskilled labour. This is because male unskilled labourers can do more work as compared female unskilled labour as they are genetically more superior physically.

Not only that, their rates depends on the task given to them whether they work under a foreman or under a skilled labourer.SUB-CONTRACT LABOURA subcontractor labour is a person or a company hired by a general contractor to perform part of the work of a construction job and they do the specific work based on the skills and expertise. The different of both sub contractor labour and skilled labour can be seen based on their different rate wages. Asubcontractoris an individual or in many cases abusinessthat signs acontractto perform part or all of the obligations of another's contract.For, the skilled labour they would be priced on the work rate per day. Such examples are like the following:

BricklayerRM60 per day

Painter

RM70 per day

Contract with the skilled labour, for the sub-contract labour the labour will be priced based on their work done. The price is based on the cost of work per unit like examples:

Brickwork half brick wallRM6.40 per M2

Painting work

RM2.20 per M2A subcontractor also is a person who is hired by ageneral contractor (or prime contractor, or main contractor)to perform a specific task as part of the overall project and is normally paid for services provided to the project by the originating general contractor. While the most common concept of a subcontractor is inbuildingworks andcivil engineering, the range of opportunities for subcontractor is much wider and it is possible that the greatest number now operate in theinformation technologyand information sectors of business.

The incentive to hire subcontractors is either to reducecostsor to mitigateprojectrisks. In this way the general contractor receives the same or better service than the general contractor could have provided by itself, at lower overall risk. Many subcontractors do work for the same companies rather than different ones. This allows subcontractors to further specialize their skills.

The need to respond to a rapidly changing environment and service a diverse infrastructure has encouraged flexibility and diversity in its subcontractor community with the majority of subcontractors now providing specialised skills to a wide range of companiesTypes of subcontractorDomestic subcontractorA subcontractor who contracts with the main contractor to supply or fix any materials or goods or execute work forming part of the main contract. Essentially this contractor is employed by the main contractor.Nominated subcontractorCertain contracts permit the architect or supervising officer to reserve the right of the final selection and approval of subcontractors. The main contractor is permitted to make a profit from the use of nominated subcontractors on site, but must provide "attendance" (usually the provision of water, power, restrooms, and other services to enable the nominated subcontractor to do his job). In effect the appointment of nominated subcontractors establishes a direct contractual relationship between the client and the subcontractor.Named subcontractorsEffectively the same as a domestic subcontractor - A subcontractor who contracts with the main contractor to supply or fix any materials or goods or execute work forming part of the main contract. Essentially this contractor is employed by the main contractor.LABOUR BY TRADEThere are many trades can be found in the construction works in Malaysia. Labours can be divided into their own trades.. These trades are specified based on their experienced and skilled in that works. The trade are:-1. CONCRETER The concreter is responsible in ensuring the concrete mixing for a building is following the standard specification and they also responsible to ensure the strength of the building the concrete test done.Concreters place, spread, compact, finish and cure concrete for buildings, roads, tunnels, bridges and marine structures, using hand tools and automated machinery.

Concreters may perform the following tasks:

mix cement, gravel, sand and water to make concrete on site

move concrete into position using a concrete pump

place concrete into the formwork (usually temporary wood or steel moulds), ensuring it is spread and levelled, then compacted using vibrators

operate paving and trowelling machines to float, trowel and polish the concrete surface

create different surface textures by tamping, smoothing and shaping the concrete surface with a variety of hand tools

cut joints into hardened concrete

mix and apply pigments when a coloured surface is required

dig foundation trenches if working on residential or small commercial projects.

Concreters may specialise as concrete finishers, concrete cutters or concrete slab layers. There is a considerable difference in the work done by concreters working on high-rise buildings and those working on smaller residential and commercial buildings.

For most jobs, concrete is mixed at a pre-mix concrete supplier's factory and delivered to the site in a pre-mix concrete truck.

Concreters usually work outside on construction sites that may be dusty and noisy. Much of their time is spent standing or kneeling and they may also have to work at heights or underground in tunnels. They may travel from job to job and usually begin work very early in the morning.

There is a growing industry in precast concrete where concrete elements are cast and cured in factories then transported to the site for use.

Requirements for concreter is to able to cope with the physical demands of the job. The person has able to lift heavy objects and enjoy practical and outdoor work.2. BRICKLAYER

The bricklayer is expert in arrangement and bonding of bricks for the building wall. They are expert in Flemish bond, English bond and stretcher bond. Bricklayers build walls, chimneys and other structures from masonry units such as brick, block, glass block or stone.Bricklayers build and repair walls, chimney stacks, tunnel linings and decorative stonework. They might also refurbish brickwork and masonry on restoration projects. If you enjoy doing practical things and you are interested in construction, this could be the perfect job for you.

To become a bricklayer, you will need to be able to read plans. Youll also need to be able to work in a well organised way.You may not need formal qualifications to become a bricklayer, but employers usually want people who have some on-site experience.Bricklayer is a tradesman who lays bricks to construct brickwork. The term also refers to personnel who use blocks to construct blockwork walls and other forms of masonry Bricklayers build and repair the interior and exterior walls of buildings, as well as other types of walls, such as the linings of tunnels and boundary walls.

It also depending on the size of the site, the position of the wall may be set out by the designer, engineer or senior builder. The bricklayer's job is then to cut bricks using hammers, chisels or portable power tools. Bricklayer also lay the bricks in courses (horizontal layers), spread mortar with trowels and lastly ensure that the wall is straight and level using lines and spirit levels.

Bricklayers usually work around 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Working hours can vary to make the most of daylight hours and to avoid disrupting business. Much of the work is outside, in all weathers, and it can mean working in noisy, dusty, dirty or wet conditions. The work involves a lot of standing, kneeling and lifting

3. DRAIN LAYER

Drain layers are responsible for sewerage, sump, manhole and other things concerning the sewerage system. It must be done perfectly to ensure that the sewerage system in the building does not be in function when it is used.

The drain layer must be skillful in deciding the pitch for the drains and its depth.Drainlayers are tradespeople who have expertise in the laying, repair and planning of drains. Their work involves drain laying lasers, external lasers, theolodites, pipe stoppers, sewer sealing cushions, cable avoidance tools, surveying equipment, mandrills, manhole shutters, tripods, winches, harnesses, and manhole equipment.

Correctly installed drainage systems play an important role in protecting public health and maintaining a pollution-free environment. Drains are underground pipes which carry foul or surface water (stormwater) and enter either an onsite waste water disposal system (septic tank) or a sewer.

Drainlaying is any work involving the installation, alteration or repairs to a drain, including the fixing or unfixing of a drain to an onsite wastewater system (septic tank) or any trap.

A drainlayers work must comply with the Building Code and where a building consent is required, the work must be checked by the building inspector from the building control authority in your area (your local council). A code compliance certificate cannot be issued until the work has been signed off by the building inspector.

People who are not registered as drainlayers are able to clear blocked drains, but only if this does not involve altering or repairing the inspection pipe or ventilation pipe in any way.

If you require new drains to be installed or existing drains altered you must ONLY engage a person who holds a current drainlaying licence and is legally entitled to carry out this work.

The most common problem that occurs with a drain is blockage due to foreign matter dropped down the drain, tree root intrusion, overloading, collapse or misalignment.

A blockage in a drain will usually require the services of a tradesperson who can clear the blockage. Clearing a blocked drain is not regarded as drainlaying, however, anytime a drain is opened up, altered, reconstructed, extended or repaired then that work can only be legally undertaken by a licensed drainlayer.

The services of drainlayers include: Drain laying

Drain repair

Drain surveying

Drain replacement

Sewage connection

Sewage repair

Sewage replacement

Stormwater pipes

Spouting

Waste water pipes

Septic tanks

Toilet drains

Drain maintenance4. MASONRY

It is almost similar to bricklayer except the sizes of the bricks and stones are different.The main purpose of the masonry is to prepare a rubble retaining wall, arches, fair face, sundries and any masonry work such as lintel, jambs, and quoins. Normally these works are done externally. These works must be done very carefully as the main purpose of this is to make it look tidy and clean.The skill that they must have is to properly arrange the stones and because of this, they must know the installation inside out.They must also prepare any shape required by the client or employer.

Masonryis the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together bymortar; the termmasonrycan also refer to the units themselves. The common materials of masonry construction arebrick, buildingstonesuch asmarble,granite,travertine, andlimestone,cast stone,concrete block,glassblock, andcob. Masonry is generally a highly durable form of construction. However, the materials used, the quality of the mortar and workmanship, and the pattern in which the units are assembled can significantly affect the durability of the overall masonry construction. A person who constructs masonry is called amasonorbricklayer.

5. PLUMBER

A plumber is the trade that installs and connects pipes as there are many types of pipes such as soil and waste pipe and service pipes.The installation of cold-water pipes is included in the works of a plumber where the work must follow the specifications of the provided drawings. After the work is done, the plumber is to install pipes and equipments based on the layout plan. Examples of the appliances used by this trade are auger, spanner, braces, bits, rules, blowtorches, squares and electrical cutter.Some needed skills, interests, and values

Reading drawings, and specifications to determine layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems

Detecting faults in plumbing appliances and systems, and correctly diagnosing their causes

Installing, repairing and maintaining domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing fixtures and systems

Locating and marking positions for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors

Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes using hand and power tools or machines

Joining pipes and fittings together using soldering techniques, compression fittings, threaded fittings, and push-on fittings.

Testing pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges

Awareness of legal regulations and safety issues

Ensuring safety standards and build regulations are met.

6. CARPENTER

Carpenters in the construction industry are responsible for works concerning woodwork such as window frame, installation of formwork, doorframe and others.

Carpentryis askilled tradein which the primary work performed is the cutting, shaping and installation of building materials during the construction of buildings, concreteformwork, etc. Carpenters traditionally worked with natural wood and did the rougher work such as framing, but today many other materials are also used and sometimes the finer trades of cabinetmaking and furniture building are considered carpentry

Carpenters normally framed post-and-beam buildings until the end of the 19th century; now this old fashioned carpentry is calledtimber framing. Carpenters learn this trade by being employed through an apprenticeship training. It is also common that the skill can be learnt by gaining work experience other than a formal training program, which may be the case in many places. Carpenters are one of the most versatile construction occupations, with workers usually doing many different tasks. For example, some carpenters insulate office buildings; others install drywall or kitchen cabinets in homes. Those who help construct tall buildings or bridges often install the wooden concrete forms for cement footings or pillars. Some carpenters erect shoring and scaffolding for buildings.

Carpenters typically do the following:

Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients

Install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding

Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic, and other materials

Construct building frameworks, including walls, floors, and doorframes

Help erect, level, and install building framework with the aid of rigging hardware and cranes

Inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures

Instruct and directlaborers and other construction helpersCarpenters use many different hand and power tools to cut and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass, or drywall. They commonly use hand tools, including squares, levels, and chisels, as well as many power tools, such as sanders, circular saws, nail guns, and welding machines. Carpenters fasten materials together with nails, screws, staples, and adhesives, and do a final check of their work to ensure accuracy. They use a tape measure on nearly every project because proper measuring increases productivity, reduces waste, and ensures that the pieces being cut are the proper size.Residential carpenterstypically specialize in new-home, townhome, and condominium building and remodeling. As part of a single job, they might build and set forms for footings, walls, and slabs, and frame and finish exterior walls, roofs, and decks. They also frame interior walls, build stairs, and install drywall, crown molding, doors, and cabinets. In addition, residential carpenters may tile floors and lay wood floors and carpet. Fully trained construction carpenters can easily switch from new-home building to remodeling.Commercial carpenterstypically remodel and help build commercial office buildings, hospitals, hotels, schools, and shopping malls. Some specialize in working with light-gauge and load-bearing steel framing for interior partitions, exterior framing, and curtain wall construction. Others specialize in working with concrete forming systems and finishing interior and exterior walls, partitions, and ceilings. Most commercial carpenters perform many of the same tasks as residential carpenters.Industrial carpenterstypically work in civil and industrial settings, where they build scaffolding and create and set forms for pouring concrete. Some industrial carpenters build tunnel bracing or partitions in underground passageways and mines to control the circulation of air to worksites. Others build concrete forms for tunnels, bridges, dams, power plants, or sewer construction projects.

7. PAINTER

This trade involved in paint work to external and internal surfaces like wall, ceiling, frame, windows, doors and many more. Painter not just having the skill of painting but also the knowledge of it. Painters first prepare the surface to be covered, so that the paint will adhere properly. This may require removing the old coat of paint by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, or water and abrasive blasting.

Painters apply paint, stain, varnish, and other finishes to buildings and other structures. They select the right paint or finish for the surface to be covered, taking into account durability, ease of handling, method of application, and customers' wishes. Painters first prepare the surfaces to be coated, so that the paint will adhere properly. This may require removing the old coat of paint by sanding, wire brushing, burning, or water and abrasive blasting. Painters also fill nail holes and cracks, sandpaper rough spots, and wash walls and trim to remove dirt, grease, and dust. On new surfaces, they apply a primer or sealer to prepare the surface for the top coat. Painters also mix paints and match colors, relying on knowledge of paint composition and color harmony. In most paint shops or hardware stores, mixing and matching are automated.

When painting any industrial structure, workers must take necessary safety precautions depending on their project. Those who specialize in interior applications such as painting the inside of storage tanks, for example, must wear a full-body protective suit. When working on bridges, painters are often suspended by cables and may work at extreme heights. When working on tall buildings, painters erect scaffolding, including "swing stages," scaffolds suspended by ropes, or cables attached to roof hooks. When painting steeples and other pointed structures, they use a bosun's chair, a swing-like device.

There are several ways to apply paint and similar coverings. Therefore, painters must be able to choose the appropriate paint applicator for each job, depending on the surface to be covered, the characteristics of the finish, and other factors. Some jobs need only a good bristle brush with a soft, tapered edge; others require a dip or fountain pressure roller; still, others are best done using a paint sprayer. Many jobs need several types of applicators. In fact, painters may use an assortment of brushes, edgers, and rollers for a single job. The right tools speed the painter's work and produce the most attractive finish.8. BAR BENDERBar bender or also known as a steel bar bender is working by bending reinforcement bars. Although reinforcement bar usually arrive ready to use, ironworkers from time to time must cut bars with metal shears or acetylene torches, bend them by hand or machine, or weld them with arc-welding equipment. They fasten the bars together by tying wire around them using pliers. When reinforcing floors, ironworkers place spacers under the bar to hold the bars off the deck. Some concrete is reinforced with welded wire fabric.A steel fixer is a tradesman who positions and secures steel reinforcing bars, also known as rebar, and steel mesh used in reinforced concrete on construction projects. The work involves following engineering drawings that detail the type of bar and the spacing used and setting out the work. The reinforcing bars are tied together with wire, which is cut using snips. Steel fixers are also responsible for attaching 'spacers' and 'chairs' that determine the amount of concrete cover. The people doing this job are often referred to as ironworkers or rod busters .Off-site, the steel fixer cuts and bends the steel bars and stirrups required in the preparation of the steel cages used for reinforced concrete. On-site steel fixers follow plans showing the location, number and size of the reinforcing bars, and assemble position and secure the steel bars or mesh for reinforced concrete floors, walls and other elements of the buildings or structures9. ROOFER

In this trade, rooter is responsible to place the root finishes and the installation of the trusses. The trusses must strong enough to support all load of the peaces or sheets at rooting material. The bad installation might cause the leakage or bending. Thats why, during the installation at the rooting material, the rooter must install it patiently andfollow the manufactures instruction. It is important because the root is the top element at building and open to the sunlight and rain.

Roofers typically do the following:

Inspect problem roofs to determine the best way to repair them

Measure roof to calculate the quantities of materials needed

Replace damaged or rotting joists or plywood

Install vapor barriers or layers of insulation

Install shingles, asphalt, metal, or other materials to make the roof watertight

Align roofing materials with edges of the roof

Cut roofing materials to fit around walls or vents

Cover exposed nail or screw heads with roofing cement or caulk to prevent leakage10. PLASTERER

The role of a plasterer is to plaster the walls of building after the wall has been constructed.. This work is normally carried out after the construction of the wall is completed and the plaster is used to cover the brick wall for a smoother finish. Special skills are needed to ensure that the plaster is laid out evenly. Floors and ceilings are other examples of components that can be plastered.

Plastering works also include items such as skirting, gutter, on cornices, curves, arches, column and beam. The true purpose of plastering is actually to cover small spaces and holes in the wall, floor or ceiling.Plasterers can plaster either solid surfaces, such as concrete block, or supportive wire mesh called lath. When plasterers work with hard interior surfaces, such as concrete block and concrete, they first apply a brown coat of gypsum plaster that provides a base, which is followed by a second, or finish coat, also called white coat. When plastering metal-mesh lath foundations, they apply a preparatory, or scratch coat with a trowel. They spread this rich plaster mixture into and over the metal lath. Before the plaster sets, plasterers scratch its surface with a rake-like tool to produce ridges, so that the subsequent brown coat will bond tightly. They then apply the brown coat and the white finish coat.

When plastering on non-solid surfaces, lathers are needed to help build supportive walls out of wire. This support base is put on walls, ceilings, ornamental frameworks, and partitions of buildings before plaster and other coatings are added.Applying different types of plaster coating requires different techniques. When applying the brown coat, plasterers spray or trowel the mixture onto the surface, then smooth it to an even, level surface. For the finish, or white coat, plasterers usually prepare a mixture of plaster and water. They quickly apply this using a hawk, that is a light, metal plate with a handle, along with a trowel, brush, and water. This mixture, which sets very quickly, produces a very smooth, durable finish.

Plasterers create decorative interior surfaces as well. One way that they do this is by pressing a brush or trowel firmly against a wet plaster surface and using a circular hand motion to create decorative swirls. Plasterers sometimes do more complex decorative and ornamental work that requires special skill and creativity. For example, they may mold intricate wall and ceiling designs, such as cornice pieces and chair rails. Following an architects blueprint, plasterers pour or spray a special plaster into a mold and allow it to set. Workers then remove the molded plaster and put it in place, according to the plan11. WELDERWelder is involve in steel work where they will heat the steel until molten and fused or soft enough to hammer or pressed together, the welder must wear goggles for eyes safety. They will use electrical power to heat the steel and tie the reinforcement bar.

Awelderorwelder operatoris a tradesman who specializes inweldingmaterials together. The term welder refers to the operator, the machine is referred to as thewelding power supply. The materials to be joined can bemetals(such assteel,aluminum,brass,stainless steeletc.) or varieties ofplasticorpolymer. Welders typically have to have gooddexterityand attention to detail, as well as some technical knowledge about the materials being joined and best practices in the field

Welding, without the proper precautions appropriate for the process, can be a dangerous and unhealthy practice. However, with the use of new technology and proper protection, the risks of injury and death associated with welding can be greatly reduced.Because many common welding procedures involve an open electric arc or flame, the risk of burns is significant.

To prevent them, welders wearpersonal protective equipmentin the form of heavyleatherglovesand protective long sleeve jackets to avoid exposure to extreme heat and flames. Additionally, the brightness of the weld area leads to a condition calledarc eyein whichultraviolet lightcauses the inflammation of thecorneaand can burn theretinasof the eyes. Full facewelding helmetswith dark face plates are worn to prevent this exposure, and in recent years, new helmet models have been produced that feature a face plate that self-darkens upon exposure to high amounts of UV light. To protect bystanders, opaque welding curtains often surround the welding area. These curtains, made of apolyvinyl chlorideplastic film, shield nearby workers from exposure to the UV light from the electric arc, but should not be used to replace thefilterglass used in helmets

Welders are also often exposed to dangerous gases andparticulatematter. Processes like flux-cored arc welding and shielded metal arc welding producesmokecontaining particles of various types ofoxides, which in some cases can lead to medical conditions likemetal fume fever. The size of the particles in question tends to influence thetoxicityof the fumes, with smaller particles presenting greater danger.

Additionally, many processes produce fumes and various gases, most commonlycarbon dioxideandozone, that can prove dangerous if ventilation is inadequate. Furthermore, because the use of compressed gases and flames in many welding processes pose an explosion and fire risk, some common precautions include limiting the amount ofoxygenin the air and keeping combustible materials away from the workplace.Welders with expertise in welding pressurized vessels, including submarine hulls, industrial boilers, and power plant heat exchangers and boilers, are generally referred to asboilermakers.

ANALYSIS ON EACH RATES OF TRADESFor mason, the highest amount offered is from company , which is RM followed by company b, c, f, g, h and j with the amount of RM.Lowest amount offered is RM from company d, e and i. This is probably because company a gives his priority to highly workmanship work as compared to other companies.

Next for bricklayer, highest day work rate offered is RM from company a and f while the lowest rate is RM offered by d, e and g. Company b, c, h, and i offered RM respectively. Bricklaying is easy but to get a very high workmanship is very difficult to achieve. The workability depends on the right batch of mortar. When the workmanship is high, there is a price to be paid. This is what company a and f are doing.

Highest day work rate for carpenter is offered by company a with the amount of RM while the lowest is offered by company d, e, g and i with the amount of RM respectively. Other companies, company j offered RM while company b, c, f and h offered RM. Many different rates offered by these companies could be because of variation in amount of the carpentry works in the project. Project for company a could involve with many carpentry works such as traditional house renovation.

Next, joiner day work rate is the highest offered by company a with RM followed by company d, with RM, next is followed by company b, c, g, i and j with the amount of RM , company e and h with the amount of RM, and lastly RM by company f. Joiner will get paid higher for bigger sized project. The bigger the size of the project, the more joinery works to be done. Therefore I can say that project for company a is bigger than other companies. For steel bender/fixer, highest amount offered is RM offered by company a, e and j. It is followed by company b, c ,d, h and i with the amount of RM, RM from company f, and lastly RM from company g. The usage of precast reinforced concrete elements reduced the works of steel bender/ fixer. I can say that company g could be using precast reinforced concrete elements.

Welder is highly paid by company c with the amount of RM. RM offered by company a, RM by company b,g,h, and j, RM by company d, f and i and lastly RM by company e. Higher price need to be paid for project using steel structure as more welding works need to be done. Here, I can say that company c is using steel structure such as steel roof trusses. Plasterer/ tiler is highly paid by company a and i with the amount of RM, followed by company b, e h and j with RM, company c, d and g with RM, and RM by company f. plastering and tiling works are paid higher if the area need to be covered with plaster and tiles are larger. I can say that company a and i are having larger area of plaster and tiles finishes.

Pavior are paid higher by company i and j with the amount of RM, followed by company b with RM, company a,c and e with RM, RM by company d and h, and lastly RM by company f and g. As for plastering and tiling works, pavior is paid based on area need to be covered. So I can say that company I and j is having larger area to be covered.

Painter is highly paid by company c, e and j with the amount of RM , followed by company d, g, h and i with RM and RM by other companies. Painting works is also affected by workmanship and area need to be covered with paint. Therefore, it can be said that companies other than company c,e,j, d,g,h, and is having less area to be covered with paint, probably they are using other finishes or maybe the building project is smaller.Electrician is highly paid by company c with the amount of RM, followed by company d with RM, company b, e, f ,g, h, and i with RM, company a and j with and RM respectively. For electricians, they are paid different according to types of electrical installation needed and also length of wires for the installation. Project that needs high technology installation and longer cables will require skilled labour where the prices need to be paid is higher. So, I can assume that company c needs longer cables or high technology electrical equipment.

Next, male labourer is paid higher by company f with the amount of RM, followed by company i with RM, company e, g and h with RM, followed by other companies with RM. Higher price for labour will occur if the site is having low availability of labour and far. Besides, lower price offered to foreign labour so as to encourage more locals to involve in labour works. I can say that project site for company f is with low availability of labour and far while companies offering RM for male labourer are using foreign workers such as the Indonesians and Philippinos.

Lastly, for female labourer, company that offered the higher price is company d and i with RM, followed by company a, c, e, f, h and j with the amount of RM. Lower prices are RM55.0 and RM by company b and g respectively. People rarely hire female labourer therefore the price are lower than male labourer. However, it can be said that company d and i preferred female labourer probably because they divided works among male and female labourers. For non-heavy works, they can be done by the females so the company can cut the cost there. Hiring male labourer to do non-heavy works will increase the cost of labour.

If you look carefully at Table 1 and the List of Companies, the price in Pulau Pinang and Perak do not have so much different and the amount is more similar for day work rates for each tradesman. ANALYSIS ON THE RANGE OF RATESRange here can be said as how much the data is scattered. The higher the range, the more the data is scattered. In this report, I can say that the highly scattered price is for welder with the range of 25, followed by joiner, plasterer/tiler, pavior, electrician and male labourer with the range of 20. Mason, carpenter, steel bender/fixer, painter and female labourer share the same range which is 15. The least scattered day work rate is for bricklayer.

Based on my research, I find that the most scattered trade such as welder has a very wide scope of works which includes either the whole structure or partially, and in contrast, the least scattered trade has the narrowest scope of works which are more specific. 6.0 ANALYSIS ON THE AVERAGE RATESAverage rates mean the middling values or rates of each labour price. Highest average value obtained is for plasterer/ tiler and pavior with RM100.00 average rate. RM95.00 average rate is for welder, RM90.00 for mason, bricklayer, carpenter, joiner, steel bender/fixer and electrician, RM85.00 for painter, RM70.00 for male labourer and RM60.00 for female labourer.

Lowest average rate offered is for female labourer which may be caused by less heavy works need to be done, as I have mentioned before. The highest average rate is for plasterer and pavior. This may be due to skill needed to do those works. Besides, the workmanship for these works are not easy to get and more money need to be paid for this. The average rate for mason, bricklayer, carpenter, joiner, steel bender/fixer, painter and electrician is not too high or too low because the work is not so easy but the availability of these tradesmen are very high in Perak and Pulau Pinang could be the main reason why the average rate is like that.POSSIBLE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PRICE FLUCTUATION Each factor has its own influence towards the variation of price of construction labour wages in the country. From studies that have been made, skills and location factors are project factors that most affect the price of labor building the diversity of the three locations.. As has been discussed before, skilled labour receive higher payments from unskilled because expertise, experience and their efficiency. Each location also offers a different wages for each skill level. Location project into the factors that influence the occurrence of variation is price of construction labours in this country because each location has a standard of living, facilities and access routes to obtain facilities and labour supply different construction. Price variations can also occur due to either location in rural areas or cities.

As I have mentioned before, when the supply for certain type of labour is high, the rate will decrease because labour can be obtained easily and the competition is high. Citizenship may affect labour prices because the foreign workers are limited to be in Malaysia. We have less local workers in Malaysia as compare to the foreigners. If they do not have legal permit, when the local authorities found out, they will be sent to their home country which will slightly cause shortage of labour here in Malaysia Race is almost not affecting the occurrence of diversity price construction labour in this country. This means that all races are given equal treatment and payment rated by their employers (contractors / sub-contractor). Labour rate will change along with time. From analysis before we can see difference contractor will have several differences between their rates. This is due to below reason: LaboursmarketLocal labour cant fulfill domestic demands thus government allow foreign labour to be imported to work as labour. In some situation foreign labour wage is much lower than the local labours but their imported fees has being a big issued, thus many contractor use illegal foreign worker to cut their wages expenses. LocationThe location of the project will influence labour prices. Examples, comparison between construction in cities and rural areas, most labour hired in city will get higher payment than labours working at rural areas. This is because, the cost of living in cities are much higher than rural areas and small town. Sometimes, labour rate can be higher when the location of the construction area is difficult to get labour.Where your company is located will impact its labor costs. Organizations that set up shop in economically depressed areas often have lower labor costs than companies located in places where the cost of living is higher. On the other hand, if you are seeking highly skilled employees in an area that does not have an educated workforce, your labor costs might be higher as you will likely have to provide financial incentives for employees to relocate to this location.

Supply and Demand

Location isn't the only factor that determines the cost of labor in a market. Supply and demand comes into play when you set wages, just as it does when a company is determining the price for a product or service. If a shortage of workers exists in the field in which you do business, your company will have to pay relatively high labor costs. Conversely, if there is a surplus of individuals who have the skills to do the work your company needs, your organization will have lower labor costs. CompetitionamongthecontractorsThere are many contractor companies in our construction industry. It is divided to a certain level or class of contractors, followed by the reputation and experience of the contractors. For the tender competition, contractors will tackle the client by offering them a lower rate for labours. There is why the competition among the contractors also is the one of the factors towards the labour rate.

ExpertiseThe labour cost is depends on their expertise and skills in performing a certain tasks. Skilled labour will get a higher amount of wages comparing with semi-skilled and unskilled labour. This is because skilled labour can perform their work perfectly and always do a complicated work such as bricklayer, carpenter, and others. As a general rule, the more education and skills required to perform a job, the higher the labor cost will be. Companies that must hire employees who are highly literate and have specialized skill sets will find their labor costs are higher than organizations that can quickly train employees to do simple and repetitive tasks. Workers who have unusual combinations of skills can often command the highest wages. High-riskprojectThe risky project will influence the price of labour. Workers generally receive higher compensation when the task they must complete are more complex or difficult. It is because the labours need to face the high-risk situation on site.As for the risk taken, the insurance need to be cover the workers and highskill needed to handle a risky situation, as not many labour is willing to take a big risk. SizeofprojectsSizes of projects also influence the labour price. For example, in multimillion projects the rate of labour usually expensive than smaller project depends on the difficulty of the projects as contractor want to avoid any losses if there is variance of works. CompletionperiodThe completion period of a project could affect the labour price. The more time needed in completion a project required the more cost on labour price. For those project which the client want to complete in short period of time, the rates of labour will be increased. It is because sometimes the labour will do extra work or overtime which require a paymentLABOUR

Skilled labour

Unskilled labour

Unskilled labour

Male Labour

Female Labour