Ironworkers assemble the structural framework in accordance with engineered drawings and install the metal support pieces for new buildings.

[1] [2] Ironworkers also unload, place and tie reinforcing steel bars, (rebar) as well as install post-tensioning systems, both of which give strength to the concrete used in piers, footings, slabs, buildings, and bridges.

Ironworkers load, unload, place, and set machinery and equipment as well as operate power hoists, forklifts, and aerial lifts.

They unload, place, and fasten metal decking, safety netting, and edge rails to facilitate safe working practices.

[citation needed] In the late 19th century, workers formed the International Union of Ironworkers because of concerns they had about safety on-the-job and the lack of protection from employers.

However, following the wartime destruction of manufacturing complexes - with the exception of North America, 1956 wages for structural, ornamental, and rebar ironworkers rose to $27.30 (2010) an hour ($3.40).

With the end of the Cold War buildup in 1991, ironworker rates have since stayed constant and were $29.30 (2010) an hour ($24.15) in 2002.

[12] The typical tools of a reinforcing bar ironworker are pliers, tie wire reels, rodbuster bags, and rebar hooks.

A rod buster bag is a split-leather double bottom pouch used for holding tools while they are not in use.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland a steel fixer's main tool is the pincer-like nips.

The crane hoists steel into place, and the ironworkers position the beams with spud wrenches to align bolt holes.

It is made from a steel alloy, and it has a gradual taper to easily align bolt holes on beams.

A beater is forged steel head mallet with a lacquered hickory handle for beating a tapered pin or bull pin into the bolt hole to align the others at the beam end or "point" and stuff the rest of the holes.

Drift pins have a tapper on both ends and get to be the largest diameter in the center and are used for aligning holes made up of multiple plates.

Although use of fall harnesses has reduced fatalities in this sector over time, structural steel erection remains one of the most dangerous occupations in construction.