News & Blogs
How HR plays a critical role in ensuring safety compliance within the construction industry!
We sat down with Lanes HR to discuss how HR plays a critical role in ensuring safety compliance within the construction industry!
Working in HR within the construction industry is a dynamic and rewarding experience. From recruiting skilled labour to addressing safety concerns, we play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of construction projects. It requires a unique set of skills and strategies to overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities. By addressing talent acquisition, safety, workforce fluctuations, diversity, employee wellness, technology integration, legal compliance, and company culture, HR professionals contribute significantly to the success of construction projects and the overall growth of the industry.
The dismissal or undervaluation of HR in the construction industry is common. It’s important to note that these factors might vary from one organisation to another, and not all construction companies dismiss HR. Some of the reasons we have identified are:
Focus on Operational Challenges:
In the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of construction, the focus is often on project timelines, budgets, and safety. As a result, HR functions may be perceived as secondary to immediate operational concerns.
Traditional Mindset:
The construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated and has operated with a hierarchical and task-oriented mindset. This can lead to a bias against softer skills associated with HR, such as communication and interpersonal relations.
Limited Understanding of HR’s Strategic Role:
Some stakeholders in the construction industry may not fully understand the strategic impact HR can have on overall business success. HR is more than just hiring and firing; it plays a vital role in talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development.
High Turnover and Short-Term Employment:
The construction industry often experiences high turnover rates and employs workers on a project basis. This transient nature of employment might lead some organisations to prioritise immediate project needs over long-term HR strategies.
Lack of Representation:
Historically, HR may not have had a strong presence or representation at the leadership level in some construction companies. This lack of representation can contribute to a diminished influence and recognition for HR functions.
It’s essential for organisations in the construction industry to recognise the strategic value that HR can bring to the table. Building a culture that appreciates the importance of HR in talent management, safety, and overall organisational success can lead to a more holistic and effective approach to managing HR in construction.
The Qube and Lanes HR have developed a deep and thriving relationship characterised by our collaboration, effective communication, and a shared commitment to the well-being of employees and the success of all their construction projects.
We maintain open and transparent communication, which is crucial. We have a solid understanding of the unique dynamics and challenges of the construction industry and ensure compliance with labour laws, licensing requirements, and other regulations that impact the construction industry are at the forefront of nay project. Our strong relationship allows us to keep managers informed about legal considerations so that we work together to address any compliance challenges.
We were asked for the 3 Key Considerations looking forward..
Safety Compliance and Training:
HR plays a critical role in ensuring safety compliance within the construction industry. This involves developing and implementing safety policies, providing training programs, and overseeing regulatory compliance. HR professionals collaborate with safety officers and project managers to create a culture of safety, minimising workplace accidents and promoting the well-being of construction workers.
Addressing Workforce Fluctuations:
Construction projects often involve fluctuating workforce needs due to the project-based nature of the industry. HR in construction is responsible for managing these fluctuations by efficiently recruiting skilled labour during peak times and implementing strategies for temporary employment during slower periods. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining project timelines and managing costs effectively.
Navigating Licensing and Certification Requirements:
The construction industry is subject to various licensing and certification requirements, varying by region and project type. HR professionals in construction are responsible for ensuring that employees possess the necessary qualifications and certifications to meet regulatory standards. This involves staying up-to-date with licensing requirements, coordinating training programs, and managing the documentation necessary for compliance, preventing legal issues and project delays.
The Qube will have experienced and have navigated with success a number of different challenges than those within traditional construction as there are distinctions based on the unique characteristics of modular construction.
Factory Setting vs. On-Site Construction:
Traditional Health and Safety: In conventional construction, the majority of work is performed on-site. This includes excavation, foundation work, and the assembly of structures in the open air.
Modular Health and Safety: Modular construction involves the manufacturing of building components in a factory setting. The health and safety considerations in a factory environment may differ from those on a construction site, with a focus on assembly line safety, machinery operation, and factory-specific hazards.
Controlled Environment in Modular Construction:
Traditional Health and Safety: On-site construction is subject to weather conditions, varying terrain, and other external factors that can pose challenges to health and safety.
Modular Health and Safety: Modular construction occurs in a controlled factory environment, reducing exposure to weather-related risks. This controlled setting allows for consistent safety measures and may mitigate certain on-site hazards.
Logistics and Transportation Safety:
Traditional Health and Safety: On-site construction involves the transportation of materials and equipment to the construction site, with associated safety considerations for road transport and on-site logistics.
Modular Health and Safety: Modular construction includes the transportation of prefabricated modules from the factory to the construction site. Safety measures in modular construction may focus on securing and transporting completed modules safely, with considerations for road travel and on-site installation.
Assembly and Installation Processes:
Traditional Health and Safety: On-site construction involves various trades working together, often concurrently, to build a structure from the ground up. Safety considerations encompass coordination between different teams and activities.
Modular Health and Safety: Modular construction involves the assembly and installation of pre-manufactured modules. Safety measures in this context may emphasise the proper lifting, alignment, and securing of modules during installation, with a focus on efficient and safe assembly processes.
Training Emphasis:
Traditional Health and Safety: On-site construction typically requires training on a broad range of construction-related tasks and potential hazards.
Modular Health and Safety: In modular construction, there may be a specific emphasis on training related to factory machinery, assembly line processes, and the unique considerations of working in a controlled factory environment.
While both traditional and modular construction adhere to fundamental health and safety principles, the specific nuances of each approach necessitate tailored safety protocols. Employers in modular construction must address the unique risks associated with factory-based manufacturing and transportation, in addition to on-site installation considerations. The Qubes new factory facility in Teeton is first class, a model of efficiency, safety, and sustainability. It represents a commitment to excellence in manufacturing, providing an ideal environment for both workers and advanced manufacturing processes.
