Scope

The title “Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)” describes a person who, because of his or her knowledge, training, and abilities, is capable of installing ceiling systems, demountable walls, access flooring, partitions, soundproofing, metal lath, drywall, exterior prefabricated wall panels, lead shielding, and interior/exterior metal wall studs in commercial, residential and institutional buildings.

Lathers (Interior Systems Mechanics) have skills and experience in measuring, cutting, and installing a wide variety of materials. To perform their duties properly, lathers have to co-ordinate their work with other trades at the worksite.

Some lathers work for years on a single site, such as an office complex, performing similar tasks constantly. Others are employed by general contractors or subcontractors in firms such as lath and plastering or interior systems, or they may be self-employed as sub-contractors. Workers in this occupation are often unionized, in which case they are hired by employers through the union hiring hall.

The duties associated with this occupation may overlap those of carpenters, sheet metal workers, and drywall tapers.

Observations

The construction industry, like many other sectors of the economy, is experiencing new directions and rapid changes, due to technological innovations that prevail today.

Lathers (interior systems mechanics) along with working with new materials and methods, now find themselves dealing with higher fire and sound ratings for new construction. Similarly, steel stud construction – once limited to industrial construction – is being used in residential construction, thus providing a jurisdictional challenge for the occupation.

Basic computer skills are becoming a necessary occupational skill. Computerized plan design, paperless plans and other computer applications are making computer skills essential.

The occupation has evolved beyond its original focus on plaster lath work to encompassing the construction of metal stud walls, placing prefabricated panels, constructing a variety of ceilings and floors, and installing drywall. Such changes have led to some confusion regarding the occupational title, given that its practitioners do so much more than place laths. Since they work on exteriors, the sub-title “interior systems mechanics” also does not adequately describe the full scope of their occupation.

Like many construction occupations, the lather occupation is suffering from an ageing workforce, with many practitioners approaching retirement age, and is attracting fewer new entrants to replace them.

Training and retraining is a major issue within the occupation. Pre-apprenticeship training is rare in Canadian community colleges, although some larger unions do offer upgrading for their members. Since block release training is equally rare, many practitioners have not served an apprenticeship in the field and thus do not have their Red Seal.

Safety

Safe working procedures and conditions, accident prevention, and the preservation of health are of primary importance to industry in Canada. These responsibilities are shared and require the joint efforts of government, employers, and employees. It is imperative that all parties become aware of circumstances that may lead to injury or harm. Safe learning experiences and environments can be created by controlling the variables and behaviours that may contribute to accidents or injury.

It is generally recognized that safety-conscious attitudes and work practices contribute to a healthy, safe, and accident-free working environment.

It is imperative to apply and be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. As well, it’s essential to determine workplace hazards and take measures to protect oneself, co-workers, the public, and the environment.

As safety education is an integral part of training in all jurisdictions, personal safety practices are not recorded in this document. However, the technical safety aspects relating to each task and sub-task are included throughout this analysis.

Job Titles