The success of a construction project is dependent on multiple factors, one of them being the workforce. Your on-site workforce is responsible for a wide range of activities, from site managers coordinating the schedules to on-site workers engaging in operating heavy equipment. With the pressure of completing the project and meeting the tight deadlines, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important aspects impacting your workforce – construction welfare.
You may not even know it, but you could be making mistakes that could disrupt your project and negatively impact your firm’s reputation.
Worried? We’ve got you covered. This article explores the 4 mistakes in construction welfare you may be making and how you can avoid them.
4 Construction Welfare Mistakes to Avoid
The best way to avoid making mistakes and staying compliant is by learning more about welfare compliance for construction projects. In the UK, construction firms and contractors need to abide by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which outline the mandatory welfare facilities for construction workers. These regulations go beyond compliance and work on prioritising worker comfort, boosting morale, and enhancing safety and efficiency on sites.
Here are the common construction welfare errors you want to steer clear of:
1. Encouraging Use of Public Toilets
Many construction firms prefer to cut corners when it comes to providing welfare facilities. If your site doesn’t have dedicated toilet facilities and workers have to use public toilets instead, your project is likely to come under the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) scanner for violating the mandatory minimum welfare standards.
Moreover, public toilets are likely to be unclean and unhygienic and far from the site, preventing easy access. This adds to the time your workers spend away from working, adding to delays and giving your project a major disadvantage.
How can you avoid this?
Incorporating portable toilets or portable welfare cabins on your project site reduces the need to travel far from the site to access clean and hygienic toilets. Lockable and self-contained toilets ensure the comfort, privacy, and dignity of your workforce. Welfare cabins also come with a host of other amenities, including hand-washing basins, drinking water supply, and canteen facilities, to name a few, fully complying with the HSE norms.
2. Overlooking Safety Measures
Construction sites are one of the most risky working environments, where your workforce deals with heavy machinery and equipment and unpredictable outdoor conditions. In such circumstances, safety becomes a non-negotiable aspect for all working on the project site.
Sidelining recommended safety norms and risking the safety of your workers can lead to adverse consequences. By not following proper safety protocols, your workers risk injuries, accidents, and even death.
How can you avoid this?
Invest in regular safety briefings with your workforce, even if they’ve been working in the industry for years. Worker safety training allows seasoned professionals to refresh their knowledge and update themselves on the latest safety measures while preparing the recent joiners.
Safety training for your workers should cover key protocols such as operating construction equipment and heavy machinery, handling emergencies, fall protection, working at heights, and the safe storage and handling of hazardous substances.
3. Improper Communication
Construction projects can spring up problems when you least expect them. It is easy to get caught off guard and solve the problem at hand without keeping everyone involved in the loop.
Improper team communication can cause misunderstandings within your team and may affect team bonding. Not briefing your team about the problem at hand can lead to bigger complications and may also risk the safety and security of those involved.
How can you avoid this?
Ensure you have a team communication system in place to ensure all those involved on-site are on the same page. You can also encourage accountability by setting up accountability partners for key processes, like machine breakdowns, delayed consignments and unfavourable site conditions.
4. No Space for Rest or Breaks
This may seem like a minor aspect to include for construction welfare but can have a multi-fold impact on your construction workforce. Not having dedicated spaces for your workers to take a break or rest on a workday can leave them tired and exhausted and also lead to burnout.
The pressures and dangers of work coupled with the unpredictable site conditions can leave them feeling irritable and frustrated and encourage absenteeism. This might not seem possible at first, but construction workers are experiencing increasing levels of stress, which can jeopardise the success of your project if left unchecked.
How can you avoid this?
Invest in a dedicated space that lets your workforce take timely breaks to eat, rest, and interact with their co-workers. This minor addition can go a long way in ensuring the care and welfare of your workers and that your project proceeds as per its schedule.
In Summary
When it comes to the construction industry, it’s easy to get lost in the demanding schedules. But if you’re serious about your project’s success, you may want to prioritise staying compliant and providing a safe working space for your workers. If you invest in the welfare of your construction workers, you’re more likely to see increased success for all your construction projects.