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What Is a Construction Labourer Allowed to Do?

A green card covers general labouring. Some tasks need extra training first.

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A labourer with a green CSCS card can carry out general labouring work: moving materials, keeping the site clean and tidy, helping tradespeople, and basic tasks under supervision. Anything involving plant, lifting operations or specialist skills needs separate training or a separate card.

At a glance

Usually fine with a green card
  • Moving materials by hand or barrow
  • Site clearance and housekeeping
  • Helping trades and loading out
  • Setting out cones and barriers under instruction
Needs extra training or a card
  • Driving a dumper, roller or telehandler
  • Slinging loads or signalling cranes
  • Erecting scaffolding
  • Working with asbestos or in confined spaces

Common next steps

If you want toYou will need
Drive a dumperNPORS or CPCS A09 card
Sling loadsCPCS A40 or equivalent
Learn a tradeApprenticeship or NVQ Level 2

Renewing your green card From 1 February 2025, renewing a labourer card needs evidence that you work as a labourer. Read green card requirements.

See moving from labourer to skilled worker.

Mistakes labourers make on site

Labourers are often asked to help with many different tasks. Knowing your limits keeps you safe and protects your employer.

  • Operating plant without a card. Even moving a dumper a few metres needs the right training and authorisation.
  • Working at height without training. Ladders, towers and MEWPs all need the right training.
  • Skipping the briefing. Attend inductions and toolbox talks, and ask if anything is unclear.
  • Not speaking up. If you are asked to do something unsafe or outside your training, say so.

A worked example

If a foreman asks you to drive the telehandler because the operator is away, the right answer is that you are not trained or carded for it. Offer to help in another way. That protects you and the site.

Your next steps

  1. Keep your Green card in date.
  2. Ask which tasks you are authorised for on each site.
  3. Get training before taking on new tasks.
  4. Choose a trade or plant route to progress.
  5. Plan your NVQ before your Green card expires.

Useful links

See construction coursesRead the CSCS card guideBook the CITB HS&E testAll construction guides

Plan your next step with Coteca

Tell us where you are now and where you want to get to. We will match you to the right course, test and card.

See construction coursesCall 0208 099 4324

Frequently asked questions

Can a labourer drive a dumper?

Only with the right plant training and card, such as NPORS or CPCS A09.

Can a labourer use power tools?

Often yes, with site induction and instruction on the tool. Some tools need specific training.

Can a labourer work at height?

Only where the site has assessed the work and you have the right training.

Which card does a labourer need?

The green CSCS Labourer card.

Related guides

All construction guides bannerAll construction guidesBrowse every guide on cards, courses and careers.Green CSCS Card Requirements ExplainedGreen CSCS Card Requirements ExplainedGreen CSCS card requirements in plain English.How to Move From Labourer to Skilled Construction WorkerHow to Move From Labourer to Skilled Construction WorkerHow to move from labourer to skilled construction worker.

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