Construction is an inherently hazardous injury. During the three-year period between 2018 and 2021, it saw an average of 74,000 people suffering from work-related ill health, of which more than half were musculoskeletal disorders. When we consider that the industry suffered a record fall in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s fair to assume that these are actually underestimates of the true extent of the problem.
You might wonder how much construction site managers earn, and what capital outlays are required to get started. But there are more fundamental challenges that are common across the industry. By identifying these, we can get a better idea of how they might be more effectively tackled.
Inadequate Safety Measures
Safety at work is important for three main reasons. Firstly, it will affect the bottom line. When workers are injured, they’re unable to be as productive. Secondly, it’s an ethical problem. Mistreating workers by rendering them unsafe is not only inherently wrong, it will also create a toxic culture that will repel many effective workers. Finally, workers have a legal right to a safe workplace, and could take legal action if you don’t provide it. This goes especially if they’ve been injured at work.
One of the most important steps that employers might take is to provide workers with effective personal protective equipment. This means helmets, ear protection, warm clothing and footwear. Policies should be put in place which mandate the use of these items, and site managers should take responsibility for adherence. This goes not only for the PPE, but for any other safety measures and best practice which have been implemented.
Poor Communication
A safe working environment in construction depends not only on proper equipment, but on the ability of workers to communicate with one another. This applies when it comes to management, but also to workers on the ground.
Developing a formal communication plan and documenting all correspondence can be vital. This way, if there’s an opportunity for miscommunication, the message can be flagged and clarified. Disputes are to be expected, particularly during long and complex projects. The right organisational communication can help these problems to be avoided.
Lack of Planning
When construction projects aren’t properly planned, delays and unnecessary expenses can result. This means creating a schedule, as well as performing a risk assessment and developing contingency plans.
Vandalism, criminal damage and theft
A construction site is inherently vulnerable to crime. By nature, they’re open and accessible. They’re also loaded with potentially valuable materials and equipment which can be easily moved on by criminals. The solution here is to take security more seriously, and to put in place procedures and technologies that will limit the problem. User access control, fencing, secure storage, security lights and cameras can all be effective.