Construction sites are characterised by numerous activities that take place simultaneously. In any construction, there are often concerns relating to waste management, material management, and workers safety, all of which need to be addressed in advance. It is the duty of the project manager to ensure that all the necessary arrangements have been put in place to guarantee the smooth flow of activities.
Dealing with demolition waste
Part of construction involves demolishing previous structures, which results in the generation of waste. There is a need to manage such waste. Contractors or project managers may hire one of the construction waste management companies in the area to facilitate the disposal of all the generated waste. The nature of the generated waste dictates how it is disposed of. For example, if the waste is comprised of steel bars and concrete waste, there may be a need to separate the two. This allows for the steel and any other metal waste to be recycled, reducing the total volume of waste that requires to be disposed of. Other forms of waste may include wood, plastic waste, and electric cables. Emphasis should be placed on recycling as much waste as possible. Some waste, such as electric cables and pipes, may also be reused if they appear to be in good condition. The aim is to reduce the waste to its smallest quantities possible in a bid to lower the stress on landfills.
Material management
This is an essential aspect of project management. As a project manager, you are expected to keep track of the construction materials at all times. You should be aware of the quantity of materials that have been used up in construction and those that have remained in the inventory. Proper material management reduces the chances of pilferage around the construction site. It also comes in handy in ensuring that any diminishing materials are restocked in a timely manner so as not to affect the project’s progress. To achieve all that, it is essential to adopt an efficient inventory system around the construction site.
Workers’ safety
Construction companies have both an ethical and legal duty to preserve the safety of their employees. On a construction site, there are usually many activities that pose a threat to the safety of workers. For example, the presence of bulldozers and other heavy machinery moving building materials from one point to another pose a safety risk. Workers’ safety may also be at risk in the course of undertaking their activities. A worker using a ladder risks falling and suffering physical injuries. The same applies to painters. They deal in paint that often has pungent smells that could easily result in both respiratory and eye irritations. All such workers require to be provided with pieces of protective gear such as helmets and nose masks. This goes a long way in preserving their well-being.
At the end of the day, a construction project is only as successful as the level of planning made. Through planning, it becomes possible to anticipate and eliminate future challenges, resulting in a smooth project.
