12 Things NOT To Do On A Job Site

We all know the rules.  Yet how often are they broken on a construction job site?

More often than they should … which means decreases in productivity and wasted time.

If you want to get things done on time and on budget, you should avoid these 12 things on your construction job site.

#1 – Drag Out Meetings – Meetings will cost you some serious money on the job site, especially ones that drag on forever.  Try to do a better job at making sure meetings stay on schedule.  For more tips, read How To Run An Effective Construction Site Meeting.

#2 – Ignore Local Building Code – It’s important to follow local building code regulations.  This may not always be top of mind.  You’re asking for some serious delays if you don’t follow the codes.

#3 – Have Lazy Maintenance Policies – It’s important to have good maintenance and cleanup policies on site.  Messy construction sites can cause delays.  They also can pose serious safety risks.  For example, oily rags stored in a trailer could cause a construction trailer fire.  It’s happened before.

#4 – Failure to Communicate – Communication is critical on a job site.  If the lines of communication are not open, there can be some serious arguments between contractors, suppliers, etc.  Pointless arguments can grind productivity to a standstill.

#5 – Hire Unreliable Workers – This may seem like common sense, but as the old saying goes, good work is hard to find.  To ensure that you hire quality employees, check employee qualifications and do background checks.  There are lots of great online resources for background checks.

#6 – Lack of Coordination – Timing is everything on a construction site.  Building supplies and crews need to be on the site at certain days and at certain times in order to get things done.  It all goes back to point number three … you need communication if you want coordination.

#7 – Let Visitors Roam Free – You’re asking for a lawsuit if visitors are allowed on to your site without supervision.  Having a visitor management policy for construction sites is a great way to allow visitors to safely be on a construction site.

#8 – Improper Security Measures – If you don’t properly secure your job site at the end of the day, you’re asking for vandalism and theft.  Construction sites are prime targets for building material theft.  Copper and other precious metals are prime targets.

#9 – Purchase Rarely Used Construction Equipment – If you want to save money, consider renting construction equipment before purchasing it.  Calculate the hourly cost of equipment before buying and renting.  You can learn more by reading, “How to Increase the Productivity of Your Construction Equipment.”

#10 – Improper Placement of Toilets – OK we’re talking about toilets, but you would be surprised how many problems they can cause.  It’s important to keep portable toilets away from storm drains to avoid contamination.  It’s also a good idea to properly secure them to avoid vandalism.

#11 – Disregard OSHA Rules – Can there be a bigger bonehead mistake than this?  Always be on the lookout for employee safety.  Follow OSHA rules and regulations for the safety of workers and to avoid costly fines.

#12 – Ignore Environmental Regulations – You’re going to have to pay some hefty fines if your site is not in compliance with EPA regulations.  Make sure proper environmental procedures are in place on your job site.

Avoiding these tips will help a lot on your job site.  For more great tips, join the discussion on the Hue & Cry Security Systems Facebook Page.  It’s the number one spot for contractors looking for helpful advice and more!