Communication: The Top Safety Hazard on the Job Site

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To effectively manage a construction team, it’s crucial to avoid safety hazards. You’re used to OSHA training and operating manuals, but are you mitigating the number one danger on the construction site? If you aren’t concentrating on communication, you’re leaving yourself open to massive damage. Here’s why a lack of communication is the top safety hazard on the job site.

 

Why Managers Must Prioritize Communication

Effective communication is crucial to a construction job because your workers are counting on it. Not only will they look to you for updates and adjustments, but you are also accountable for their safety and well-being. If an employee feels like they can’t trust you or the working conditions are dangerous, they’ll leave. Misunderstandings happen, but a great construction manager prevents them by employing a great communication system as well as an overall personal policy of transparency. Be candid and straightforward, especially if you make a mistake, to maintain respect. No one wants to rework.

When communicating with your team, find a way that translates well for every laborer. Some companies use messaging software like Slack or WhatsApp for quick communication. If that’s not ideal for your workforce, maybe operate off of a centralized job chart where recruits can check in every day to see what’s on the docket. Make sure your method is clear and adaptable.

Aspects to Focus On

1. Staffing Changes

Are you short-staffed or experiencing a shift in labor availability? Are you waiting on contractors? Your whole team needs to know about it. Construction is co-dependent. Chances are, your construction plan is carefully arranged based on availability and the order in which each task needs to be accomplished. It’s not enough for you to have a handle on schedule changes – you need to dialogue with your team about it as well.

2. Delays

Construction is also an industry that relies on trust – you have to rely on your team, and they have to rely on you. If materials are out of stock or your equipment doesn’t arrive on time, it’s often more than an inconvenience. A task delay can mean a wide-scale project delay, which can be a detriment to your bottom line. In construction, more than any other profession, time is money. Maintain high standards for the workflow and keep everyone on task wherever possible. If parts are missing or there’s an issue with machinery, communicate this to your full team to make sure all are aware of the potential holdup.

Looking Ahead

For more ways to solidify your day-to-day communication strategy, talk to CCS Construction Staffing. We can assist you in the trickiest part of management – hiring and maintaining a great crew. Contact us today to learn more about bringing in great recruits and retaining existing hires.

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