When it comes to the demolition industry, safety and seamless operations are undeniably two of the most important aspects. And the truth is, they work hand-in-hand together.
The construction industry at large reported the most fatalities of any industry in 2022.
The industry is fraught with inherent risks and managing everything from administrative tasks to field operations can often feel like an onerous challenge. However, in this blog, we are going to discuss best practices that can be immediate game-changers. Taking proactive steps towards improving these processes can effectively halve incident rates in your industry.
Qualified demolition contractors understand that ensuring safety and self-performance through meticulous project management plays a key role in successful and safe operations. Streamlining project tracking and improving financial management efficiency are important objectives. A commitment to these areas can drastically enhance project outcomes and financial results, in addition to limiting liability and keeping people safe.
Let's start by tackling a major issue that contractors in the industry face - accurately tracking the time allotted for various projects. Time, as we know, is money.
Mismanaged time leads to:
- Missed deadlines
- Unmet objectives
- Frustrated stakeholders
The pressure from playing from behind can lead to higher incident rates because teams and leaders are often rushing through the projects, and not giving site, personnel and equipment safety the attention that is required.
Start by incorporating a standardized time management protocol. An effective strategy involves dividing projects into smaller, manageable tasks and consistently monitoring the progress with a set timeline for each. Regular check-ins and site inspections can identify issues early and provide opportunities for course corrections. This approach fosters a sense of accountability and allows for an accurate tracking system that ensures project safety and that project timelines are met.
Time management and scheduling systems can also ensure accountability in knowing where each member of your crews are at, at all times.
Field documentation is another area where efficiency and safety is paramount. To enhance your documentation process, make use of digitization. Incorporating digital tools into your workflow aids in collecting, storing, and analyzing data more accurately and easily than traditional paper-based methods. It allows you to know, in real time, when issues may exist so you can proactively address the situations. Remove the risk of lost paperwork, human error, and time-consuming filing and retrieval. By digitizing your records, you can easily catalog and access your data when you need it. This can be particularly beneficial for large scale or longer duration projects where data accumulates over time.
Safety documentation, in particular, is paramount in the demolition industry. Having digital forms completed in real time each day, such as JHA's, safety inspections, equipment inspections, can help keep your teams and projects safe while also protecting you from fraudulent claims.
Non-compliance risks can often plague demolition contractors. On-site activities, high-risk jobs, and a constantly changing workforce can turn the job site into a complex regulatory environment. An efficient way to maintain regulatory compliance is by implementing a comprehensive risk assessment process. Regular auditing and monitoring of safety procedures, identification and mitigation of risks, and adequate training of employees are fundamental steps that can significantly reduce non-compliance risks. Besides, they bolster the employer's reputation as an entity committed to safety!
While addressing these challenges requires effort and a systematic approach, the outcomes make it worth taking a solid, proactive stance. Each implemented measure impacts project outcomes and the overall safety and financial health of the business, providing a competitive edge.
Most importantly, it's also about the culture of the organization.
A company that values safety, efficiency, and seamless operational management is bound to make strides in an industry where these are not just desirable traits but necessary ones. It's about creating a space where the best practices are not forced, but welcomed and adapted as the norm.
By embracing these roles and changes, companies can bolster their safety procedures, streamline operations, and cut their incident rates in half, marking a notable step towards progress in the industry.
Finally, we recommend joining committees and associations that can keep your company informed of critical industry changes and updates.
Demolition contractors should see these challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for improvement. By taking actionable steps towards resolving these issues, they can construct a safer, more efficient, and profitable work environment.
Remember, safety isn't just about shielding your operations from accidents, it's about creating a foundation upon which the entire operation can thrive, expanding its potential for growth and success.