How to Reduce Construction Disruption

Reducing construction disruption isn't easy because you cannot foresee everything, even with the best-laid plans.

Making a site secure helps fight crime, and sourcing alternative supplies will help with supply chain issues, but there is so much more in between. Health and safety play a crucial role, and this is dependent on hiring the right people. So, here are some handy tips.

Nail the Logistics Side of Things

It can't be understated how important the logistics of any business is. No matter the size of your company, there needs to be a solid logistical operation. Logistics is a complex subject, but in short, it helps get everything where it needs to be at the right time. Industrial machinery movers can help get your equipment to a site, while recruitment agencies ensure you have the right staff. In-house operations managers and outsourced logistics companies are recommended.

Reduce Construction Disruption with Site Security

Construction machinery, from hydraulic hammers to diggers, has always been a target for criminals because of its high value. Today, organised criminals are targeting heavy machinery to sell abroad because of embargoes placed on Russia and Russian suppliers, costing over £800 per year to the industry. Just one machine being stolen can put a halt on a project, so make sure you have on-site and remote security to alert you and help catch construction thieves in the act.

Make Sure You Get Permits

Nothing can stall a project like not having the right permits. And in some cases, you may even have to reverse any work you have done. This, of course, costs tons of money and wastes everyone's time. As such, permits and approvals are a vital part of any construction project. Some of the things you need to know include building codes, zoning laws and environmental restrictions. It is best to liaise with any authorities in the relevant departments before starting.

Give 110% Effort to Health and Safety

Construction work is dangerous by its very nature and can cause severe injury and death. Therefore, top-notch health and safety is absolutely vital to prevent tragic delays to any project:

• Don't become complicit in lax safety, and always lead by example.

• Go out of your way to raise awareness about common health and safety issues.

• Make sure there is accountability across the board from employees to management.

• Teach site workers to be responsible for themselves and for others.

• Use an active health and safety monitoring program to spot and predict disasters.

The last thing anyone wants on a project is someone getting hurt or worse. This will shake worker confidence, makes your business look unprofessional and has severe punishment.

Hire the Right Workforce

If for health and safety alone, it is vital to take your time when hiring the right workforce. This can cost a lot of time and money, but it is well worth it. You want qualified, reliable and considerate workers in your team. If hiring people isn't something you are good at or don't enjoy, a recruitment agency can be a massive help. However, it can help to at least attend interviews to get a feel for anyone that could potentially join your team and the construction project.

Reduce Construction Disruption with Alternative Suppliers

The past few years have been unkind to many sectors, and supply has suffered greatly. While already in the midst of a supply chain shortage, the Covid-19 pandemic hit and made it much worse. Even today, there are still shortages of certain materials, including computer processors. But there are almost always alternative supplies available. So it helps to have a few handy for construction projects. If one goes dark, you can often source what you need elsewhere. 

Plan Around the Weather

Of course, the one thing that is genuinely out of your control is the weather, and in places like the UK, it can be wildly unpredictable. However, there is always weather data available, so there is no excuse for not checking and making contingencies if work can be affected. For example, if a storm is coming, exterior work isn't possible. But that doesn't mean work should stop. There will be something that needs attention on the interior, or you can even hold team meetings.

Summary

Getting the logistics right will help you reduce construction disruption. Yet security and health and safety play a key role. However, any project should always be planned according to the weather, as this is one thing that can really bring a project to a full stop in the middle of the work.