by Damien Therrio | Dec 30, 2019 | Uncategorized
In the world of construction, time is money. Having a crew that works efficiently and stays on schedule lowers costs as well as helps the company gain a good reputation in the field. The project foreman needs to have the skills that keep the crew on the task promptly ensures a productive day. Keep the following efficiency tips in mind to save money and time.
Have Good Communication
There is nothing worse in construction than having crews standing around while on the clock not knowing what their job is for the day. Good communication is essential to productivity and safety. Texting or emails are ways to give your crew members a heads-up to the tasks that need to be performed before they set foot on the site. Another tip is to have a chart on-site listing a crew member’s goal for the day. Always have someone in charge on-site that can solve problems as they arise.
Keep a High Standard
Having high standards on the worksite is another important factor to consider. There are a number of risks for injury in the workplace, so it’s important to keep high standards to avoid potential accidents and increase efficiency. Let the crew know the safety standards expected of them in each phase of the job. Proper clothing, adequate tools, and proper safety precautions should be everyday aspects of the site. This will also keep productivity high and keep costs in line. It is important that workers follow these instructions for the safety of all.
Have the Necessary Materials Needed on Site
Nothing is more frustrating than having a crew standing around waiting on materials to arrive at the site. Be sure to order ahead so the materials needed are on hand when the crew is ready for them. Have a designated person to make supply runs if needed. If supplies are delayed, have an alternative plan for the crew such as prep work, working another part of the project, or clean-up.
Construction projects are filled with glitches that are not anticipated. Having a schedule that workers are aware of lets them know what is expected of them. Keeping high standards on the worksite gives them the message that you care about them. Having the materials on-site when they are needed conveys that the company is well-organized. When your workers are safe and happy, the work you’ll be able to produce will be fast and efficient.
by Damien Therrio | Nov 12, 2019 | Uncategorized
If you’ve decided to open an apartment complex, you need to know what amenities will help you attract the best tenants. You don’t need to compete with every building in the area, but you should turn to them for inspiration as you begin to look at what most complexes offer. More than individual features, apartment building owners need to consider what type of lifestyle they want to help their tenants cultivate. These are just a few suggestions you may want to consider.
On-Site Gym
Working out is a part of many people’s routine, and getting in shape is also a on many others’ bucket lists. When you have an on-site gym, people will be more likely to feel inspired about the prospect of living in your complex. Those who regularly exercise already will love the fact that they can save money on a gym membership and not have to sacrifice fitness in the cold winter months when commuting isn’t always an option. Others who want to begin exercising will now find it easier than ever, and they’ll see your complex as an opportunity to start improving their lives in more ways than one.
Parks
Green spaces such as parks have the added benefit of boosting property value. Families with children and pets will love having an outdoor space to visit and play in. You can use the park as an opportunity to cater to your residents’ lifestyle; are they typically established adults who want a relaxing place to lounge, wine and dine, or are there lots of young families that would appreciate a dog run and playground equipment? You can even take things a step further and go ultra-green by including a community garden for tenants to plant, tend and harvest their own herbs and produce.
Laundry Room
It’s great if you have washers and dryers in every unit, but even if you don’t, you can add laundry on-site that makes it easy for tenants to perform one of the most basic and essential household chores. In addition, a laundry room can boast larger washers and dryers that will easily allow tenants to run heavier loads. You may also want to add vending machines that sell common laundry products; teaming up with a local dry cleaner and tailor will allow you to extend the highest quality of service to your building’s residents.
Remember to focus most on your average tenant’s needs first — think functional before fun. People love flair, but high-quality functional amenities that make their daily lives more convenient are more likely to make the sale.
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by Damien Therrio | Nov 11, 2019 | Construction Administration
Running a successful business isn’t just about creating the right marketing strategy or producing the best product; it also involves the office environment you are creating for your employees. Those who work within safe and welcoming work environments often stay longer and produce higher quality work. Therefore, make sure you adhere to the list of tips posted below to begin steering your office environment towards the right path.
Establish Safety Guidelines
The first thing that you need to do for your business to begin promoting a safe environment is to establish a few safety guidelines. By establishing safety guidelines for the workplace, you can create a better working atmosphere, prevent common workplace injuries, and reduce the risk of serious issues from happening. These guidelines must be looked over every couple of months, combined with a refresher meeting with your entire staff in order to assure that the information remains relevant.
Remove Hazards
After you’ve established guidelines, the next step is to remove all current and potential hazards from your office space. People want to come to a job where they are safe and secure. This cannot be possible if constant tripping and fire hazards are the norms. This can be accomplished by conducting a full audit of your office space. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional team to come in and conduct the safety audit for you. Either way, this is a great move on your part in order to diminish the possibility of injuries and liability issues.
Open Line of Communication
Finally, the most important thing that you can do to improve workplace safety is to create an open line of communication between you and your employees. If the staff feels like they can come to you at any time, that only serves to enhance all the other areas of your safety program. This can be accomplished through monthly town hall meetings where employees ask you questions or through one on one quick meetings with your staff. There are plenty of options when it comes to implementing this into your business. Open communication can bring up emergent issues and prevent later serious problems or safety violations.
As you know, it is incredibly important to maintain a safe work environment for your staff, both to enhance morale and to prevent serious accidents. By being proactive and establishing the right course of action, you can help to make sure your business is a safe workplace.
by Damien Therrio | Sep 11, 2019 | editorial
Whether you run a large or small business, if access to a parking lot is a part of your lease, maintaining that lot is in your best interest. Customers need a place to park their vehicles when they visit your storefront or office. Even in the most walkable areas, there are still clients and customers who will want to park their cars close to your place. If you own or are otherwise responsible for maintaining a parking lot for your business, there are three maintenance tips to consider.
Risk Factors
Generally, a parking lot sits outside and is exposed to the elements year-round. This means that the wear and tear on the surface is happening around the clock. Asphalt surfaces are susceptible to damage from weather. So, keep in mind how the seasons are impacting the area. Traffic and existing imperfections are other risk factors. Then, there are surprises, like the roots of trees, that decide to make their presence known by damaging paved surfaces.
Needs Repair
If you notice cracks, loose material or other imperfections on your parking lot, you are encouraged to get those repairs completed as soon as possible. Those who do not have experience in the repairs of outdoor surfaces are advised to seek the opinion of trained professionals. Sometimes, the necessary repairs are cosmetic. A new coat of paint marking the lines between parking spaces shows your customers that you care for the property, which adds to their sense of safety, for example. Other times, repairs are more serious. When cracks begin to show up, taking care of them prevents further damage that often leads to more expensive repairs later. If potholes or other serious crevices are apparent, it is in your best interest to have them fixed in a timely manner.
Protection
One way to help the surface of your parking lot last longer is to protect it with a sealant. If a sealant was not added when the surface was first installed, a professional could tell you if it is still an option. If a new surface has to be installed, the sealant can be added once the work is complete.
Sometimes, having access to a parking lot is a luxury. If your business can claim that luxury, it is a good idea to take care of it. A well-maintained parking area is convenient for your customers and a plus for your company.
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by Damien Therrio | Sep 11, 2019 | Construction Safety
Cranes are an essential part of the modern building and development scene. Unfortunately, improper use of cranes can lead to problems and result in severe injury or even a workplace fatality. For this reason, it is important to be aware of hazards and best practices. It’s also essential to know how to react in the event of an accident.
Crane Hazards
Being aware of crane hazards reduces the risk of potential danger in the workplace. Some common crane hazards include electrical hazards, materials falling, overloading a crane, crane movement (pinch points) and dropped loads. Operators, foremen and other adjacent site workers should all be aware of an operating crane. Supervisors and operators especially are responsible for everyone else on the site and must continually assess the safety of the crane operation and take every precaution available to protect against potential hazards.
What to Do If an Accident Occurs
If an accident does occur, there are immediate steps to take. Supervisors should quickly determine what type of accident occurred and whether there is an ongoing danger, such as live wires or potential structural collapse from a crane impact. If there are no immediate secondary problems, first aid should be applied to any victims as rapidly as possible. There should always be first-aid trained staff members on-site to provide immediate assistance. Alerting authorities, such as EMT, fire or police crews, should be done quickly. Then, attend to secondary needs, such as contacting the local electric company, as needed. Finally, filling out the proper legal documentation is important for all parties.
Best Practices
Accidents are often the result of improper procedures or a lack of attention to detail. In some countries, governmental organizations, such as OSHA in the United States, provide guidelines and recommendations. Only a trained and certified operator should actually operate the crane. Cranes should always be inspected before every use for damage or signs of problems. Cranes must be used only on level surfaces and have outrigger arms deployed for balance. The path, or swing, of the boom and load should be assessed for wires, structures or pathing over workers, and workers should never be under a load. Loads should always be inspected for weight and balance.
All heavy machinery carries inherent risks. There is no good workplace accident, especially when such machines are in use. It is only through careful risk assessment and following rules and best practices that cranes can be used in a safe manner.
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