Here's the breakdown:
* Whaler (tool): This refers to a heavy-duty, adjustable scaffold used for supporting workers and materials at height in construction. It's often used on large-scale projects like bridges and skyscrapers.
* Whaler (worker): This describes a construction worker trained in using and assembling whalers, ensuring safe and efficient work at elevated levels. They often have specialized knowledge about the structure, assembly, and maintenance of these scaffolds.
Origins of the term "whaler" in construction:
* The exact origin is unclear, but it's likely connected to the large size and strength of the whaler scaffold, reminiscent of the size and strength of whales.
* Another theory suggests the term stems from the whaling industry, where strong, adjustable scaffolding was used for building ship decks and other structures.
Therefore, the word "whaler" in construction refers to both a type of scaffold and a construction worker specialized in using that scaffold, not directly related to whales.