As a site engineer overseeing construction operations, your primary responsibility is to efficiently manage the job at hand. This involves possessing a clear understanding of the essential tools required for the role. In this discussion, we will delve into the key priorities that a construction engineer must focus on, with an emphasis on Safety, Quality, Progress, and Cost Control.
When actively engaged in on-site management, a construction engineer must prioritize Safety, Quality, Progress, and Cost Control. Ethical construction companies universally adhere to this sequence, emphasizing the importance of placing Safety at the forefront. In this context, let’s explore the crucial aspect of Safety in construction projects.
Safety is not just a guideline; it is the primary responsibility of every individual working on a construction site. The significance of safety often becomes palpable only when someone close faces an unfortunate incident. Ethical construction companies globally prioritize safety through comprehensive policies and meticulous safety plans.
Fatalities and accidents on construction sites incur substantial costs, including compensation, penalties, material damages, and setbacks in progress. While safety awareness has increased in certain regions, it remains a routine practice on large projects in the Middle East.
Construction engineers play a pivotal role in ensuring safety on site. They are assigned specific areas or disciplines, overseeing work with the support of supervisors and laborers. Dedicated Safety Managers, Engineers, and Supervisors are employed to advise and assist the construction team.
During safety orientation training, site engineers encounter various tools that form the foundation of construction safety. These tools include:
The Project Safety Plan encapsulates the company’s commitment to a safe workplace. It outlines policies, responsibilities, training requirements, pre-task briefings, safety assessments, emergency responses, health requirements, and environmental management. The plan aligns with ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 management systems.
Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) protection are integral to construction projects. The HSE Plan outlines objectives, plans for suppliers and subcontractors, meeting schedules, inspections, audits, and risk mitigation strategies throughout project phases.
Site engineers must prioritize hazard assessment through the STARRT card—a Safety Task Assessment & Risk Readiness Task. This legal safeguard requires engineers to discuss and assess hazards with their team at the start of each shift, promoting a safety-first approach.
Maintaining a clean and organized work area, known as housekeeping, is fundamental to success. It contributes significantly to the prevention of accidents and ensures a conducive working environment.
Construction engineers must pay special attention to life-critical issues, such as working at heights and critical lifts, to minimize lost-time accidents.
Striving for a ‘zero accident’ philosophy should be the ultimate goal of every construction engineer. Safety engineers and supervisors are available to provide assistance, conducting weekly assessments and safety tours.
Regular safety assessments, including the Safety Assessment Form, cover various aspects such as waste management, traffic control, noise and dust control, barricades, lifting operations, tools and equipment, excavations, fire prevention, storage, electricity management, and more.
In conclusion, as a construction engineer, a profound understanding and implementation of safety measures are paramount. By integrating safety into every aspect of the construction process, you contribute to a secure and productive work environment.