A construction site is an ever-evolving and complex environment. For many professionals in the industry, sites are both fascinating as they are stressful.
However, each construction site varies depending on the project type, stakeholders incorporated, and safety requirements. In this article, we will explore the different kinds of construction sites, the key practices that should be employed, and how construction crew scheduling software can consolidate your operations.
What is a Construction Site?
A construction site refers to an area where all physical construction activities for a proposed structure take place. Many individuals generally use the term “building site” similarly. However, the term “building site” points to a site where only housing projects arise, whereas a construction site is a general term for all different types of construction projects.
The landscape properties of an area, such as ground soil and vegetation, are altered to provide a suitable environment for construction professionals to continue their fieldwork. Once a piece of land is handed over to a contractor to begin construction, it becomes a job site.
Moreover, a construction site does not imply extreme changes in a built-in environment. Scale-wise, even small projects with minimal alterations qualify as construction sites. All construction sites must comply with all the pertinent building regulations that govern their extent.
What are the Different Types of Construction Sites?
There are various ways to classify sites in construction. The most common type is either a building site or a commercial site. Construction sites can also be categorized by building type, type of owner, and fire safety. Below, we will discuss the common types of construction sites and where which areas are applicable.
Residential
These are construction sites for condos, apartments, and horizontal housing projects. Different states and countries have various rules governing the management of residential construction sites. Globally, most residential construction takes place in urban areas, bringing about more strict laws protecting other residents and even pedestrians.
A residential facility with multiple housing units is classified as a commercial project. Other facilities, such as swimming pools and parking lots, are also classified as part of the residential project if they are within the vicinity of the construction site. Multiple general and subcontractors can also work on a single residential project, provided all their services are within the confines of the enclosed construction site.
Industrial
Industrial sites are just another segment of commercial sites. This is a small segment of industry projects, including refineries, manufacturing plants, power plants, and solar wind farms. The terms industrial construction and commercial construction are often used interchangeably since their projects operate similarly when it comes to contracts and payment terms. The only difference is in their building occupancy.
Special Industrial Construction Sites
Special industrial construction sites involve large projects that are highly difficult to build. Examples of such specialized sites are chemical processing plants, steel mills, oil refineries, and nuclear power plants.
Heavy Construction or Transportation
Heavy civil engineering projects are large-scale projects that fall neither under building nor roadwork projects. Projects in this category include sewer lines, dams, flood control projects, water treatment plants, and dredging.
Institutional or Commercial
As the name suggests, commercial projects are any construction projects constructed for commercial purposes. They include office buildings, skyscrapers, restaurants, hotels, universities, malls, and others. On the contrary, institutional projects refer to educational facilities, prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Waste
Waste management plants are found away from the cities due to the dense population in urban areas. These sites are connected through sewerage systems that link the areas to the waste management systems. Waste management construction sites’ activities include classification, recycling, and destroying hazardous residues. In some instances, water purification plants are close to waste management facilities as the water is purified and reused for secondary such as irrigation.
Power Generation
One of the most common energy sources globally is solar energy, hydroelectric power, and wind energy, while some other forms of energy are oil, coal, and gas. The construction of solar power generating and hydroelectric plants differs from that of coal and gas projects because building power generation plants involves the construction, installation, and maintenance of shields and conductors.
Gas and Oil
Because they are volatile, oil and gas sites require high security. A long distance typically separates the actual job site and the point of entrance. Because of their volatile and explosive nature, which poses a risk, oil and gas must be handled carefully. Since oil and gas are among the most important energy sources, they must be kept away from populated areas because any human interference with the supply would impact the energy supply to major cities.
Key Practices to Employ in Construction Sites
Construction sites can pose a significant risk to workers. Construction sites are notorious for accidents, so companies must take the appropriate safety measures to reduce the dangers of working there. Employers can implement a number of methods to ensure that projects stay on schedule. Some of the things to watch out for on a building site are listed below.
Follow the Health and Safety Regulations
The Workplace Safety and Health guidelines, which contain health and safety regulations, apply to all construction sites in the United States. These policies, however, won’t be useful unless every employee is aware of and follows them. As a result, one should be aware of these guidelines, and the majority of companies take the time to teach crew members about their roles and how to fulfill them. In addition, management should pay attention to worker concerns and implement the necessary safety procedures.
Construction sites have continually changing conditions, so reviewing safety measures and updating them as needed is important.
Ensure Your Paperwork is Up to Date
If you want the programs to run well, you must have accurate records of the work completed on-site. Before starting a building project, one must clear legal hoops regarding licenses and permissions. In addition to obtaining a license, the contractor and project manager must accurately record all labor and financial documents in construction crew management software to determine whether the project is moving forward as planned.
In a project, licensing takes time. For this reason, you should submit your submissions as soon as possible to prevent project setbacks. It is imperative that supervisors and subcontractors assigned to intricate activities, including licensing, possess the requisite certificates.
Additionally, documentation of environmental factors ought to be given high priority.
Organize Inventory and Manpower
When using the wrong equipment, construction workers run the risk of making catastrophic mistakes on the job site. The project manager is responsible for ensuring that workers set up the tools according to the task at hand. It is also the duty of the building companies to guarantee that the machinery is maintained properly. To prevent obstacles, any equipment that is not required for the project at that specific moment needs to be removed from the site. You can also integrate construction inventory management software to properly inventory your tools and equipment, making operations streamlined and manageable.
Don’t Forget About the Amenities
Certain facilities are essential for creating a more comfortable environment for the workers. Adequate construction equipment is crucial for ensuring a certain level of safety at the construction site.
Additionally, the construction site should provide access to water, restroom facilities, washing stations, changing rooms, and temporary structures for shade to prevent dehydration and other health issues caused by exposure. Many contractors overlook these amenities, but they help reduce the risk of unnecessary incidents at construction sites. The construction site should also include designated storage areas to maintain organization and cleanliness.
Conduct Adequate Training
As required by law, all workers must receive specific training before starting work on a construction site. Due to the unique nature of all sites, the training provided is always tailored to that site. The training focuses on construction crew scheduling, identifying high-risk areas on the site, and the proper use of site-specific equipment.
Additionally, site-specific orientation is conducted alongside the training to ensure that every crew member shares a common understanding and purpose while on the site. The orientation aims to achieve various objectives, including assessing site safety, reporting any new hazards, working safely in the presence of identified hazards, understanding the contractor’s safety requirements, and grasping safety procedures related to equipment theft.
Strictly Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All individuals entering a construction site are required to have the appropriate PPE as per the OSHA Act. PPE serves as the final defense when facing hazardous situations on site. Visibility vests enhance visibility, helmets safeguard the head, and safety boots provide traction and minimize the risk of slipping.
Other PPE includes gloves to prevent cuts and safety glasses to shield against airborne debris. Specialized construction work may necessitate protective gear like hearing protection and face shields. PPE is only effective when worn, so it should always be worn on-site.
Key Takeaway
Construction sites are dynamic and full of activity. To minimize the risk of accidents, it is crucial to remain alert and aware of the ongoing work. Effective communication with managers and team leaders is also important for identifying potential hazards and delivering a successful project. Construction crew management software like Pro Crew Schedule can help you manage any construction site, regardless of the type of project or practice you employ.
