What types of pre-planning benefits productivity on the job site?
Good planning is making sure that the correct resources are available and can be used – when they are needed. That is why it is essential to identify, at an early planning stage, where AWPs will be used on the construction project. This will allow machine orders to be placed early and site staff to be trained, making sure the most appropriate AWP is delivered to the job site on time and you have fully trained operators ready on-site. This will give you the best chance of making sure the work at height is done safely and efficiently.
What type of preventative maintenance is beneficial?
The equipment owner or rental company must make sure that frequent and annual inspections are conducted on time. This will increase machine reliability and help reduce unnecessary downtime. But employers should also make sure workers do a pre-start check every day to highlight any discrepancies that may prevent safe operation. Based on the severity of site conditions, it may also be necessary to arrange for increased maintenance inspections – e.g., the need to clean or change air filters more frequently in a dusty environment.
What types of organizational techniques are implemented on-site to increase productivity?
Making sure only authorized operators use the AWP and checking that all workers understand and follow the measures taken to eliminate hazards will help improve productivity. Considering factors such as site ground conditions, movement of people and plant, job site conditions and the need for machine familiarization in a risk assessment is essential to develop good reliable work procedures.
Are there any special leadership techniques that seem to be effective?
Regular checks/audits to understand how the job is done and why workers take shortcuts and work-arounds instead of following company procedures can be challenging, yet they are essential to reducing accidents and improving productivity. Involving site-based staff in the risk assessment will help develop safe and efficient methods of work, which will gain greater compliance from the workforce when supported by a clear and scaled/calibrated discipline process for noncompliance.
What situations are the primary causes of worker downtime (ex: gassing trucks, delayed shipments)?
Incorrect machine selection can result in delays due to not being able to finish the job or inappropriate application of an existing machine, which will slow productivity and may result in a lost-time accident. Some other common causes of worker downtime are running out of fuel, contaminated fuel, machine not charging due to using the incorrect charging point, excessive flat battery, machine damage during operation or a simple thing such as loss of ignition key. Each one of these issues causes varying degrees of unnecessary and costly downtime. Thorough planning, proper supervision, familiarization and quality training are critical to ensuring a safe, productive and profitable worksite.