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**History of Ironworking:**
– Transition of carpenters to ironworkers in the 1880s.
– Use of cranes in construction in the early 1900s.
– Formation of the International Union of Ironworkers in the late 19th century.
– Fluctuation of ironworker wages over the years.
– Historical prominence of Mohawk tribesmen in ironworking in NYC.

**Types of Ironworkers:**
– Reinforcing Ironworkers: Work with reinforcing bars, tying them together with tie wire and placing rebar inside forms. Use tools like pliers, tie wire reels, and rebar hooks.
– Structural Ironworkers: Assemble cranes, lift steel columns, beams, and girders according to blueprints, and work on various structures like buildings and bridges.
– Ornamental Ironworkers: Fabricate and erect structural steel frameworks, work on various structures like stadiums and hospitals, and use materials such as metals, plastics, and composites.

**Tasks of Structural Ironworkers:**
– Use taglines to control beams.
– Hoist steel into place with cranes.
– Position beams with spud wrenches.
– Bolt beams to steel columns.
– Erect joist girders, bar joists, trusses, and metal decking.

**Tools of Structural Ironworkers:**
– Spud wrench, bolt bag, sleever bars.
– Bull pins, drift pins, beaters.
– Spud wrench serves dual purposes.
– Bolt bag stores bolts and nuts.
– Drift pins align holes made up of multiple plates.

**Safety in Ironworking:**
– Fall harnesses reduce fatalities.
– Ironworking is one of the most dangerous construction occupations.
– Approximately 38 fatalities per 100,000 ironworkers annually.
– Constant safety precautions are necessary.
– Importance of safety training and equipment.