You're overseeing a construction project. How can you ensure safety for non-technical project managers?

All the highlighted points mentioned herein are unavoidable in a construction site. In addition, it is important to note that all employees and workforce have already undergone safety-oriented training. Everyone involved in the project has the responsibility to ensure the safety of others, not just the safety officer or project manager. If anyone observes another person violating a safety concern, they have the authority to rectify the issue and ensure that the violation does not recur, regardless of their designation.

Provide safety training tailored to their role. This can include workshops, online courses, and regular briefings on safety procedures and emergency response plans.

Non-tech project managers must prioritize safety on sites. Understanding their key role is crucial before diving into risk assessments. They oversee projects and ensure all are safe. Conducting thorough risk assessments is vital, identifying hazards to prevent accidents in the work environment. Collaborating with pros and learning job hazard analysis basics are key to excel in risk assessment. Their unique perspective adds value; active participation in assessments can reveal overlooked risks, boosting safety efforts. Regular assessments are foundational to our safety strategy, identifying hazards early to create a secure project environment.

Ensuring safety on a construction project is crucial, especially for non-technical project managers who may not have in-depth knowledge of construction hazards. Here are some key steps to take: Post-1 1. **Training and Education**: Provide comprehensive safety training for all project managers. This should include basic construction safety principles, common hazards, and how to mitigate them. 2. **Clear Communication**: Establish clear lines of communication. Ensure that non-technical project managers know who to contact for safety concerns and how to report incidents.

It is of paramount importance to conduct regular risk assessments that engage the participation of non-technical managers. This entails the implementation of weekly site walk-throughs, which serve to identify potential hazards and facilitate the development of effective mitigation strategies. The utilization of safety checklists that are tailored to the specific requirements of each project area is a recommended practice. Empirical evidence suggests that the frequency of risk assessments can lead to a reduction in incidents by as much as 70%.

Learning by doing is very effective. Asking team members to perform a risk assessment is a great way for them to learn the business of construction and learn what to identify as risks. I once had a safety/risk manager share in a meeting, “we have never had a safety incident occur during a safety audit.”

It is of the utmost importance to establish clear and efficient communication channels. This encompasses the implementation of daily safety meetings, an incident reporting system, and a well-defined chain of command for safety issues. As an illustration, the introduction of a mobile application for real-time safety reporting is a viable solution. Statistical evidence indicates that projects with effective communication experience 60% fewer serious accidents.

As a Project Manager, I ensure that all communication within our team is clear and effective. By establishing a streamlined process, every team member knows how to report incidents and unsafe conditions. This seamless flow of information keeps everyone informed and on the same page, which is crucial for handling situations correctly and swiftly. My guiding principle is safety first—ensuring that everyone leaves the job site as they arrived, safe and healthy, ready to return to their loved ones.

In addition to establishing clear communication channels, it's important to provide regular training and resources that empower every team member to recognize and report hazards confidently. This not only reinforces the importance of safety but also ensures that all workers feel respected and heard, regardless of their role or experience level. As a project manager, fostering an environment of trust where employees know their concerns will lead to action is crucial for maintaining a proactive safety culture. By prioritizing communication and education, you help create a safer, more collaborative workplace.

????? Garantiza la Seguridad de Gestores No Técnicos con Comunicación Efectiva ????? En la construcción, las líneas de comunicación claras son esenciales para una gestión segura. Asegúrate de que todos los miembros del equipo, incluso los gestores no técnicos, puedan reportar condiciones inseguras fácilmente. ???? Fomenta un entorno donde las preocupaciones de seguridad se tomen en serio y se resuelvan rápidamente. Como supervisor, facilita este diálogo abierto y asegura que la información fluya entre trabajadores, supervisores y personal de seguridad. ????? La comunicación efectiva es clave para mantener un ambiente seguro y eficiente. #SeguridadEnConstrucción #ComunicaciónEfectiva #GestiónSegura

Use simple, non-technical language to explain risks and safety protocols. Ensure they understand the potential hazards and the steps required to mitigate them.

The weekly HSE walk, made up of contractors, EPCM and Owner is an excellent forum to ID, share and learn what “safe vs. high risk” practices or “unsafe conditions” exist on the site. Also, a targeted focus on a particular policy compliance or hazard ID is a great way to train and align the leadership team on the site standards and expectations.

It is of the utmost importance to develop and enforce effective security policies. This entails the creation of a comprehensive security manual, the establishment of clear procedures for high-risk tasks, and the implementation of a system of consequences for violations. As an illustration, a "zero tolerance" policy for significant security infractions is a recommended course of action. Data indicates that sites with rigorous policies have 40% fewer reportable injuries.

???? Garantiza la Seguridad en la Construcción con Políticas Claras ???? Para proteger a todos en el sitio, es crucial que los gestores de proyectos, incluso los no técnicos, se familiaricen con las políticas y procedimientos de seguridad. Estas directrices no son solo formalidades; son esenciales para gestionar riesgos y proteger a los trabajadores. Aunque no tengas un conocimiento técnico profundo, entender estas políticas te permitirá hacerlas cumplir y detectar desviaciones. ???? Asegúrate de revisar y actualizar regularmente estos documentos para mantener la seguridad en línea con las regulaciones y los cambios del proyecto. La prevención es clave para una gestión exitosa. #SeguridadEnConstrucción #PolíticasDeSeguridad #GestiónEficaz

Policies and Procedures are often taken for granted by someone who has not "seen" an onsite accident. Often, they think "it won't happen to me/us". Ignorance is not bliss so make sure ALL rules are followed. All it takes is 1 time... and no one's self importance, ignorance/lack of awareness, or attitude of "I don't have time for that" should be allowed to interfere with safety. NO ONE = Zero Tolerance

It is of the utmost importance to have a comprehensive emergency response plan. This should include regular drills, readily accessible first aid kits, and staff who have received training in CPR and first aid. For instance, doing monthly evacuation drills and keeping a defibrillator on site would be best. Statistical evidence demonstrates that sites with well-rehearsed emergency plans can respond to critical incidents 30% faster than those without such a plan.

Ensure that non-technical project managers are familiar with emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points, and communication protocols during emergencies.

Before start of construction project, emergency exits plans should be in place, people should be aware of nearest assembly points and actions expected in case of emergency, mock drills help in awareness and preparedness for actual case. Rescue plans are in place before start of any activities inside confined spaces

???? Preparación para Emergencias en la Construcción: Clave para la Seguridad ???? Para garantizar la seguridad en el sitio de construcción, la preparación para emergencias es esencial. Asegúrate de que existan planes claros para eventos críticos como incendios, incidentes médicos o fallas estructurales. ????? Los gestores de proyectos no técnicos deben conocer la ubicación del equipo de emergencia, el procedimiento de evacuación y cómo comunicarse con los servicios de emergencia. ???? Una preparación adecuada no solo puede salvar vidas, sino también minimizar el impacto de cualquier incidente. La seguridad comienza con la preparación. #SeguridadEnConstrucción #PreparaciónParaEmergencias #GestiónEficaz

Emergency preparedness is of paramount importance! It is needless to say that first aid kit is a must in every project site. An exclusive vehicle has to be earmarked for moving the accident victim to the nearest hospital. The safety officer has to be well certified person approachable essily.

The reason of accidents often look freak but it was waiting to happen. A good practice is while designing or drawing a plot plan safety need to be built in. Like say headrooms need to be adequately high,of there are deep holes made for foundation that need to be cordoned off. If there are harmful chemicals then precautionary notice need to be displayed. The best practice is to do periodic checks of vulnerable areas . Electrical shock,heavy item falling on head,workers falling down from a height ,high pressure pipes bursting etc are common accidents and these are avoidable.

To ensure safety for non-technical project managers basic safety training is very important. Daily tool box meeting shall be conducted and non technical people should be encouraged to conduct such tool box meeting to create greater awareness and promoting safety culture. Safety is equally important for technical people as well. Safety should be like a soft skill to be developed by everybody in life irrespective of job profile, industry and job location. Even the house makers require to follow minimum safety protocols.

Continuous learning is a key part for the professional industry not specific to solely construction industry. Project Managers are key role players when in comes to safety of the workplace and the man force. Since there are new technologies being invented and implemented daily Project Managers should be periodically trained and before any new technologies are put in-place Project Managers should have comprehensive knowledge and training regarding the same, which can be beneficial for the proper implementation of the technology and safety of the man force.

CE/ continuous learning is a small price to pay for potentially saving a life. Network with others in your field to find out what different, or new, steps they are taking to show their commitment to safety. With today's technology, it's not reasonable (or acceptable) to say you don't know anyone who can advise or mentor you in any area. Heck...AI can create a list or even a seminar for you. What are you waiting for?

I hate to put it so simply, but just use common sense people. You can and should do all of the safety training, but do a site walk with the person. If they display a lack of common sense, don't let them out on their own. It sounds harsh, but that person will be a danger to everyone who isn't looking looking out for them. Many times it's not that person who gets hurt, but someone trying to work who isn't prepared for the "walking hazard" that happens to wander into a dangerous area.