Final answer:
The prime contractor is the employer responsible for overseeing the entire construction work at the site, managing both the mental aspects of organization and physical aspects of building. General contractors may perform similar tasks but usually on a specific part of the project.
Step-by-step explanation:
The employer that has the overall responsibility for construction at the worksite is the prime contractor. This role involves the coordination of all construction activities, ensuring that the project is completed according to the plans and specifications. The prime contractor works with subcontractors but is the main point of contact for the employment relationship. They have the capability to manage the entire construction project, handling both mental and physical labor. Mental labor includes tasks such as organizing blueprints and adhering to building codes, while physical labor involves the actual building process. In contrast, a general contractor may also take on these responsibilities but on a smaller scale or for a particular aspect of the project. Employers who are laid off from construction may find work in unrelated fields, which indicates flexibility in the labor market and the diversity of skills a worker may possess.