A list of entries tagged with June 2016 innovation
Energy reduction should be utilised in as many areas as possible. Construction produces and consumes huge amounts of energy and resources during its course throughout the project. This is mostly accredited to construction works, the development process and transport. However, like every other building, site facilities and accommodation also produces its share of energy consumption and therefore can be reduced…
Safety equipment must be easily accessibly and present at all times. Safety procedures and protocols are crucial in reducing the risk of hazards as well as managing an emergency situation if one occurs. The below example shows how one site kept its emergency readiness to a high level: As part of emergency contingency arrangements for the safe use of a…
Site safety should be regulated and routine. It is important to maintain safety routines, procedures and awareness. A visible notification helps sustain safety levels and reminders for the workforce to acknowledge the importance of training. The site manager has introduced green visible tags to be worn on the wrist as new each day after signing into site for work and understanding…
Even relatively simple and everyday tasks can be made safer. Innovative building techniques and technology should always be trialled and potentially incorporated if it means enhanced productivity and increased safety. One site demonstrated this as per the example below: The site team came up a new lifting system to avoid having to lift angled loads, there have been a couple…
Organisation and communication is key to enhance productivity. Co-operation and organisation between principal and subcontractors on a project is crucial in ensuring successful results. It is therefore fundamental that all parties must communicate regularly. Any efforts to provide more efficient communication and detailed updates is recommended. One site achieved this as shown in the examples below: Site is trialling a…
Equality should be encouraged within the workforce across all individuals. In order for the industry to attract potential employees from all backgrounds, ages and genders, equality must be demonstrated. Additional training is an effective method in widening the accessibility and potential for the whole workforce. One site showed evidence of this through the below example: The organisation looked for opportunities…
A healthy lifestyle should be encouraged for all staff across the industry. Providing tips and resources on how to maintain a high standard of health and fitness can be relatively simple and straight forward. However, this should apply to and be accessible to all members of staff regardless of position and location. The below examples demonstrates how one site achieved…
It is important to provide the appropriate facilities and environment for foreign workers. Facilitating the foreign workforce is important in providing and encouraging equality and diversity within the industry. It is also beneficial towards increasing productivity if the workforce can work more efficiently together. One site demonstrated this through the below examples: The contractor retained approximately 30 Asian Muslim operatives on concrete…
Enhanced awareness enables the ability to detect potential hazards and risks. Some hazards can not be spotted by the naked eye and require more advanced detection techniques. The example below shows how one site achieved this level of awareness: The company used a mobile ground penetrating radar unit to carry out 3-D mapping of underground utilities and features; As a result,…
Construction techniques should aim to minimise any impact on the environment and surrounding ecosystems. Attempts to reduce the impact on the environment should always be a prime focus on construction sites considering the large amount of physical pressure exerted on the landscape. One site demonstrated this effort through the example below: The use of a GTR premium concrete remover that is…
Maintaining a high awareness of the local wildlife is important in efforts to manage the environment. Raising awareness of the local ecology and wildlife promotes a dedicated and considerate attitude towards the environment. The example below demonstrates how one site achieved this: The site introduced ‘wildlife notification cards’ for anyone on site to report any instances of wildlife to advise project…
Ecology should be a high concern during a hazardous spillage event. The environment should always be considered during the planning and construction process. During a spillage incident, there is a health and safety risk to the workforce and surrounding community, however there is also a risk to damaging the nearby ecology. One site demonstrated reacting to this effectively: Spill response…
Involving members of the community promotes an integrated and considerate environment. Members of the community should feel included and considered when their local area is being affected by the works. Companies should therefore make the effort to collaborate with community members. This can be beneficial for both the site and the community. One site achieved this through the following examples:…