Duties

General laborers clean and lubricate equipment, keep manufacturing areas free of debris and dirt, and set out or put away tools. They follow instructions from more experienced employees to operate machines, hold or supply materials and tools, and load and unload items from machines and assembly lines. They also locate parts, tag them with identifying text and numbers, and record information such as gauge readings, products produced and manufacturing times. If they locate defective products or observe equipment malfunctions, helpers must report the problems to higher-level employees, and if necessary, assist with any fixes.