Operative
In construction, an ‘operative’ is a term usually used to describe a skilled or semi-skilled worker who has some function that includes either operating machinery (including computers) or having a role on a production line in a manufacturing facility.
Operatives may be involved in repetitive tasks or a series of repetitive tasks.
The operatives that may be encountered on a construction site might include:
- Truck drivers.
- Crane operators.
- Fork-lift truck drivers.
- Mechanical hoist operatives.
- Lift operatives.
- Mechanics.
- Cement mixer operatives.
- Barrier operatives.
However, in the UK, the term is not usually used to refer to manual labourers or skilled tradesmen such as bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and electricians. It is never used to describe professionals such as architects, engineers, surveyors and so on.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.
Foundations for the Future: A new model for social housing
To create a social housing pipeline, that reduces the need for continuous government funding.
Mutual Investment Models or MIMs
PPP or PFI, enhanced for public interest by the Welsh Government.
Key points and relevance to construction of meeting, due to reconvene.