Is Working in the Container House Industry Hard?
Jobs related to container houses are relatively strenuous, mainly reflected in high work intensity, harsh working environments, and long working hours.
High Work Intensity: Container manufacturing involves multiple job types, with varying intensities, but overall, the intensity is high. For example, the screw-driving job mainly strains the waist and legs, and even with the assistance of wheeled stools, the intensity remains significant. Welders use 500-amp welding torches that are heavy and require prolonged fixed-posture operation, posing a great challenge to physical strength and endurance. Even the relatively less strenuous job of painting, if on a fast-paced production line, requires quick operations with little time for rest.
Harsh Working Environment: The interior space of containers is narrow, and the manufacturing process is stuffy and hot, especially in summer when temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius, akin to being in a sauna. Additionally, there are pungent odors inside containers, such as paint fumes and odors from metal processing, which are harmful to human health when inhaled over the long term. Moreover, welders are exposed to intense arc light that can severely irritate the eyes if not properly protected, potentially causing eye damage. Spray painters work in an environment filled with paint mist, and without wearing gas masks, they can suffer serious harm to their respiratory systems.
Long Working Hours: Many employees working in container factories have daily working hours of 13 to 14 hours. Even in factories like Shanghai Zhongji, where the standard daily working hours are 10 hours, the actual work intensity is extremely high with a fast pace. Employees find it difficult to take a breath or rest for even a few seconds. Meal times are also very tight; for example, on the finishing line, there is only 10 minutes, and employees have to rush to the canteen to get their meals and return to work immediately. Many choose to skip meals to avoid delaying work.
However, these jobs also have certain advantages, such as relatively stable income. For those with low educational attainment and no special skills, it is a way to earn income through hard work. Additionally, the working environment is relatively simple, without the need to constantly please others, and interpersonal relationships are straightforward.
