Tobishoku is collectively called 'steeplejack and navvy' since it is engaged in foundation work including jigyo (the part under the foundation) and basic kenchiishidumi (kenchiishi stone masonry work) in machiba (the housing market in which local workmen engaged in constructing traditional wooden buildings).
町場では地業も行う基礎工事、簡単な間知石積など、またこれ等の事から「鳶、土工（土方）」と一括りで呼ばれる。