A very difficult environment to manage is a maintenance or construction site where workers need to work at heights. It’s understandable if this gives site managers some sleepless nights. But are you using all your resources optimally?
For managers’ and workers’ benefits, there are multiple resources to make these scenarios better. It can maximise the efficiency of your construction site while even saving lives. It starts with gear like a roof ladder and of course proper PPE. But don’t forget that technology evolves and is benefiting many industries. Also, the construction environment.
Bottom line, there are simpler ways to manage your site and team members working at heights, while enjoying better outcomes, such as fewer injuries. Here’s all you can consider for your sites to give you peace of mind.
Comfort Prevents Mistakes
One of the reasons your team may be injuring themselves is because of too many unnecessary mistakes. And mistakes happen when people are stressed and distracted.
How do you combat this problem?
For starters, you need to make sure your team is prepared at all times. There are so many things that could go wrong and it’s vital that as the construction site manager, you put safety measures in place. When you protect your staff, they’ll feel more at ease at work. This includes managing warning signs and being clear on work procedures as well as general safety rules throughout the site.
Increase their feeling of safety and familiarity by doing regular emergency exercises, so they know they can handle even the worst possible scenario. Also, instruct anyone visiting the site on the dos and don’ts. Workers will be less apprehensive when a property owner or other visitor comes around. They won’t worry about someone hampering their work because they know you take care to educate everyone about site procedures.
Remember, as a leader on-site, your actions will play a huge role in how workers feel about their work environment.
Gear is an Investment
You’ll see this heading says ‘investment’. The right gear is NOT only an expense. It’s how you safeguard lives and your company’s future.
When it comes to roof safety, you have many options of gear to implement:
- Roof anchors
- Roof access ladders
- Roof hatches
- Safety harnesses
By using these features, once again workers will feel more relaxed in their working environment. If something should go wrong, they know there’s a barrier, harness, or other feature that will prevent disaster.
Some of these features will also speed up work, such as travelling across the roof faster thanks to a walkway. When work gets done faster, there’s less fatigue that could hamper workers’ ability to focus and function optimally and safely.
Of course, there are also general PPE items your team must use on-site:
- Lanyards
- Harnesses
- Fireproof outfits if the work requires it
- Gloves, shoes, and other items as the job dictates
It’s your responsibility to ensure these protocols are enforced.
Review the range of gear and pick what matches your budget and the unique needs of a specific project.
Helpful note: rather than go for the cheapest, go for comfortable wear that enables them to move freely.
State of the Art Technology is Now a Must
Some of your onsite challenges can be remedied with the help of technology.
For any project to run smoothly, your staff must know what they’re doing. Ideally, everyone must know their roles and have access to the same information. This prevents misunderstandings. Also, the more information you can provide the better, enabling them to make informed decisions.
What about using cloud storage to share relevant information with your team? Instead of needing to contact you or another office to obtain user manuals or work instructions, everything could be instantly accessible online.
This method will also help the maintenance of equipment or safety gear. You can save information about installations or inspections online, including details like serial numbers. When the next check is due, all the information the responsible party needs will be on hand.
Also, use technology so you don’t forget about inspections. Set the date and get an automated reminder, so you don’t accidentally put someone’s life at risk because you forgot. You have a busy schedule but with modern tools, you can no longer use that as an excuse to not stay up to date with responsibilities.
Paperless systems have been a major talking point in many industries. Since you’re often working on the go rather than in an office, shouldn’t this be one of your goals?
In Summary
You don’t have to worry about managing a construction site when you use your team correctly and implement resources like tech solutions, all to your advantage. You could then be the most recommended site manager in town.
Want less stress and more success? Then implement the proper height safety systems as well as the latest innovations to simplify your tasks.