As is the case in many other industries, the power tools industry is experiencing profound changes owing to the development and advancement of power tool technology. With competition always strong among the industry players in the power tool sector, the onus has been on power tool manufacturers to stay ahead
The construction industry in the UK is facing some unprecedented challenges. Whilst that might not be surprising given the global health pandemic that has consumed the planet in recent months, for the UK’s construction industry COVID-19 is just one more burden to bear. With a shrinking skills base, increasingly older
MIG stands for (metal inert gas) it is also the same when one says GMAW (Gas Metal Arc welding). It is a process in which an electric arc forms between a consumable wire electrode and the workpiece metal, which heats the workpiece metal, causing them to melt and join. You
With construction works coming to an end as part of the process to limit the spread of Covid-19, all of us in the demolition and construction sectors have a duty and obligation to the communities that we serve. While the Government is mobilising resources, there are significant shortages for frontline
Working in the building design or construction industry requires you to invest in the right tools. Building infrastructures from the ground up is taxing, and doing everything with your bare hands can delay progress, lessen the structural integrity of the building, and even lead to injuries. For people who want
With a rapid increase in the population, the construction business is seeing significant advancements. About one-fifth of the new companies are associated with construction, and this industry involves many significant entrepreneurial investments. The construction industry can ensure massive returns if the finances are managed well. In these lines, renting the
Whether you’re shopping for motorcycle aftermarket mods, an OEM oil filter, or simply a rad new pair of gloves, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. When it comes to accessories for your side-by-side, it’s sometimes hard to separate the rider must-haves from the wanna-be window dressing. Here’s a
Advances in AI-assisted 3D modelling have yielded numerous inexpensive scaffolding design software applications, which are changing scaffolding design methods in numerous ways. Scaffolding design software ranges from simple, free to use products to top of the range CAD applications. Most of them are generic 3D and 2D modelling platforms with
Makita’s first DAB Job Site Radio with Bluetooth, the Makita DMR112, is the latest addition to the audio range that will meet everyone’s taste in music and quality. With a dual power source by either AC adaptor or by Makita’s CXT or LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, that can be found in
The quest to increase productivity is known by managers across all industries. However, the construction industry in particular has a well-documented history of mismanagement and inefficiency. In this article, the team at Hitchcock & King will take a look at ways inwhich this can be remedied, so you can get
As is the case in many other industries, the power tools industry is experiencing profound changes owing to the development and advancement of power tool technology. With competition always strong among the industry players in the power tool sector, the onus has been on power tool manufacturers to stay ahead of the curve in their industry. The introduction of the Durofix 60V DXP range of power tools ensures Durofix stays at the forefront of the various industry-wide trends in the power tools industry. Some of the trends in the power tools industry include: Innovations In Battery Technology The past decade has seen a shift to cordless power tools. Tools such as circular saws, impact drivers, hammer drills, impact wrenches, band saws, and crimpers now have an integrated battery system that powers the tool. This does away with the need for power cords and in the case of pneumatic tools, air cords as well. Consequently, workers in the construction, industrial, automotive, and many other industries can now enjoy a cordless (and safer) work environment. However, the current trend is to go beyond the basic integration of battery packs into power tools. There is a push to improve the power density of the battery packs and enhance the battery management systems, all the while trying to reign in on the notoriously heavy weight of the battery packs without compromising performance and endurance. In the past, improvements on the battery pack front have been driven by changing from nickel-based batteries to lithium-based batteries. However, power tools makers are now forced to innovate further and improve lithium batteries as well. Durofix 60V DXP has been engineered to offer 35% more run time by using advanced Li-ion batteries. The tools draw less current, thereby generating less heat leading to longer run times and longer battery life. Improvements In The Efficiency Of Power Tools While improving the efficiency of the battery pack has taken precedence in the power tools development race, more and more power tool manufacturers have realized there is a benefit to optimizing other areas of their tools. Manufacturers are now engineering power tools that not only last long but perform their function with maximum efficiency. This improves the run time of the power tool while maximizing the power delivery of the tools. Lower Maintenance Cost The maintenance cost of power tools has always been an Achilles heel for the tools. Power tools need regular recalibration, oiling, part replacements, and other repairs. There is a push among power tool manufacturers to design products that are cost-efficient on the maintenance front, thereby lowering the cost of ownership. Improved User Experience Finally, there is a push to improve the user experience of power tools, especially among the new generation of cordless power tools. Naturally, some of the efforts have gone to reducing the weight of the tools. However, there many other areas of improvement that the tools have experienced. These include improving the cooling of the tools, integration of better torque output control units, compacting the tool design, and much more. There has also a push to improve the safety of the tools with a focus on reducing the noise and vibrations generated by the tools. The Durofix 60V DXP range of power tools has taken giant leaps in improving the user experience. The tools feature a compact design, enhanced cooling, and advanced Patented Electronic Torque Control for precise torque control, and many other improvements to the ultimate user experience.
The construction industry in the UK is facing some unprecedented challenges. Whilst that might not be surprising given the global health pandemic that has consumed the planet in recent months, for the UK’s construction industry COVID-19 is just one more burden to bear. With a shrinking skills base, increasingly older workers and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit, is it really any wonder that the construction industry is weathering out its worst slump in living memory? Coronavirus is not going to disappear anytime soon and it is yet another invisible risk to front line workers in the building trade. Whilst the physical risks of the job are often abundantly clear, other personal and mental risks can be harder to spot. For example, suicide rates in the UK construction industry are an astonishing ten times higher than the national average, with the pressures of COVID-19 presenting additional dangers and further worsening the crisis. In these somewhat tumultuous times, the UK government has reiterated on multiple occasions how keen they are to reignite the construction, housing and infrastructure industries as soon as practically possible. However, it would be nonsensical and indeed dangerous for the government to overlook the fact that workers in the construction industry are among those worst affected by the virus and all of its implications. According to the Office of National Statistics, in a study of 2,500 deaths, builders were identified as most at risk of death from COVID-19, alongside taxi drivers, security guards and public transport drivers. Whilst the construction industry needs to get back on its feet sooner rather than later, that revival simply cannot come at the cost of so many lives. Well accustomed to spearheading pioneering solutions under pressure, the construction industry is one of the most innovative employment sectors in the UK. With worker safety consistently paramount anyway, Coronavirus is further complicating matters by limiting levels of interaction between workers on site. One of the key methods in tackling COVID-19 head on is through tracking technologies. In addition to this, Bluetooth device tags could also be making their way onto construction sites across the country, attached to ID badges or pieces of equipment. The hope being that these tags and trackers would be able to alert workers and trigger warnings when too many people were in one vicinity at a time, as well as monitoring worker interactions. Understanding these interactions could play a pivotal part in reducing the level of face to face contact actually required on each construction project. A number of existing innovations in the construction sector could be advantageous in tackling COVID-19 and its associated risks. Off site and modular construction techniques could help to facilitate the deployment of prefabricated critical care facilities. This would, in turn, increase the capacity of the healthcare industry, which has been under immense additional pressures; one of the largest challenges the pandemic has inflicted upon the UK and many other countries thus far. It is important to note that in order for something to be an innovative solution, it does not necessarily need to be newly invented. Often, research and developmental work focuses on progressing existing ideologies and procedures. Establishing ways for employees to interact with one another safely, or limiting their need to do so entirely could be highly beneficial long after the threat of COVID-19 dissipates. New processes and procedures to ensure all surfaces and tools are safe for workers are key in minimizing the risks facing people in the construction sector on a daily basis. In addition to this, access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is also essential, raising additional challenges to be solved with provision and distribution. “Innovative ideas always present some sort of risk, which is why it is vital to understand and utilise all of the support available,” says Sarah Collins, Head of R&D at RIFT Research & Development. “About more than just problem solving, financial incentives such as R&D tax credits work to encourage long term success, rather than merely surviving a business issue or challenge. The main objective is to make innovation less of a risk and more productive, with the hope that benefits of such actions will extend beyond any one sector or individual firm. Innovation can help everyone, and that is only becoming more apparent in the wake of COVID-19, which is why an emphasis on R&D financials in sectors like construction or engineering is more important now than ever.”
MIG stands for (metal inert gas) it is also the same when one says GMAW (Gas Metal Arc welding). It is a process in which an electric arc forms between a consumable wire electrode and the workpiece metal, which heats the workpiece metal, causing them to melt and join. You can read more about this here. Method of metal transfer does not just include one but there are four primary methods. One is the GMAW or MIG called globular, short-circuiting, pulsed-spray and spray. Each one has its advantages and limitations when used. MIG, on the other hand, is a technique that is versatile and suitable for both thick and thin sheets. Most welders use this process as it is very flexible working on different sheets. It is widely used in different industries and sectors as it accounts for more than 50% of almost all weld metal that is deposited. Its flexibility, suitability, and deposition rates have more advantage for various mental tasks. 4 Types of Welding Processes MIG/Metal Inert Gas Welding This machine works to fill in the spot that joins two metals together. Using this process, the welder doesn’t need to change the electrodes in between their welding tasks. The welder just fills in the joint that is being welded and continue to the next. There are four main parts of a MIG welding machine. First, the MIG welding power supply that provides the electricity to generate heat. Next, is the wire feed system that usually feeds the wire from the spool to the weld joint. There’s also this handle with a trigger that controls the wire feeder that is feeding the wire on the spool into the weld joint. Lastly, is the shielding gas-guards which are the welder’s weld from the air. MIG works best with sheet metals. TIG Welding-Tungsten Inert Gas Welding This is also known as Heliarc welding for retired or older welders as this is a manual welding process that is used before. They differ in the way the arc is generated and how the filler metal is filled in or brought in. This is a tougher process to learn but this is also versatile when a welder is dealing with different materials. Based on the noted site, the welder needs to use one hand to hold the torch that generates the arc and their other hand to add the filler metal towards the weld joint. This process is effective and will produce high-quality results as it takes time and can be used for smaller welds since it is more precise. Stick Welding: Shielded Metal Arc Welding This process includes, of course, an item in stick form. The electrode on this process that uses the metal comes in a stick form. Electricity is used here to melt a rod, filler or stick that can melt both the metal joint and electrode at one time to bring these 2 metal pieces together while filling the joint with the metal filler simultaneously. Usually used for pipelines, auto repairs, steel construction, and most home steelworks since it is low cost. Flux Cored Arc Welding This one uses an arc between the consumable electrode and the weld pool with the shielding from the flux that is usually found inside the tubular electrode. An extra shield may or may not be used from a gas supply. This process penetrates well into the base of your works. This is can also be used in indoor and outdoor applications. Mostly for maintenance work, production/fabrication and construction work. Whatever process is chosen is up to the welder and will be decided depending on what work needs to be done. You can explore websites like http://www.weldingmachinereviews.com to find out more information. Top 5 Skills of a Welder First and foremost is attention to detail, welding steelworks and the like needs to have good eyes for their work. To achieve the design and framing of each work, a welder should be skilled in making clean, accurate lines and cuts. Welders should always maintain focus and a good eye towards what they are working on to achieve their goals or final result. Next is dexterity, not everyone has been gifted with skilled hands. Each person is always good at something but not all the time one has a skillful hand. Good dexterity is being able to coordinate with your fingers and hands as well as one’s hand-eye coordination to finish a single welding task. Third, physically fit and good physical abilities. Of course, a welder should be physically healthy in performing welding tasks. Good eyesight, not too skinny and not too fast so you can hang on buildings, carry or lift steel (as you know metal pieces are very heavy), move freely and with accuracy. Quick or fast Learner, welders should always know the do’s and don’t of their job. They also need to keep up with the latest machines and be able to learn how to use them in a very effective and skilled way. They ought to have a sound understanding of their safety and others when performing the said task. Lastly, stamina and strength. Yes, this is very important as well because welders are always under heat and pressure from their machines as well as the surrounding areas where they usually work. A welder does not work in an office where there is air conditioning, instead, they work while hanging at the side of the building, on the rooftop, outside an establishment, or even hanging down by a bridge. One can never tell where and what they need to be prepared for when welding. They even have to carry and lift heavy machines or steel materials while they work.
With construction works coming to an end as part of the process to limit the spread of Covid-19, all of us in the demolition and construction sectors have a duty and obligation to the communities that we serve. While the Government is mobilising resources, there are significant shortages for frontline staff in the NHS, GP practices and social care sectors. We are therefore encouraging the demolition and wider construction sector to retain a base stock of PPE, and make the rest available to those frontline services who need it far more than we do. You have the ability to save lives by doing so, no donation is too small! Cantillon and DeGroup are pulling together their resources to reach out to our competitors, peers and partners to seek quantities of excess masks, overalls, glasses and gloves. We have contacts within the NHS and Emergency Services who have already said this equipment would be gratefully received. They may use it themselves or indeed direct us to the Vulnerable Groups. The fact is, it can do a lot of good, but not while it sits on our shelves gathering dust. This is a free-of-charge donation, it’s giving back in an hour of real need. We can manage collection and distribution and your contribution will make a huge difference and potentially save many lives. – Paul Cluskey, Managing Director, Cantillon Please visit our Contractors Appeal Website for more information. You can also donate money via our JustGiving page
Working in the building design or construction industry requires you to invest in the right tools. Building infrastructures from the ground up is taxing, and doing everything with your bare hands can delay progress, lessen the structural integrity of the building, and even lead to injuries. For people who want to create a career in this industry or engage in more DIY activities at home, is a must-have. A cordless drill, as highlighted in this website https://cordlessdrillguide.com, is a smart investment because it can make your life easier as a handyman. This tool can also improve the quality of your projects and lessen your work time. A cordless drill is important for different purposes. Here are some great reasons why you should get one as soon as possible: 1. Convenience Completing projects at home or construction will require time and effort. The more extensive the project is, the more resources you’ll have to invest in it. Fortunately, owning a cordless drill can make tasks lighter. This equipment is more lightweight than corded drills, making it easier for you to carry it around. Cordless drills are also very convenient because you won’t have to look for power outlets just to use it. This will give you the ability to use the equipment in different locations. Since it’s cordless, you also don’t have to worry about its wires and how these can tangle up with your other equipment. Cordless drills are more compact and now come in a wide variety of comfortable designs. Having these options allows you to choose a cordless drill that perfectly suits your grip and desired level of comfort. A tool that meets all of your preferences will help you work faster. This is especially important for new or inexperienced handymen. 2. Safety Working on construction or DIY projects at home can be very rewarding, but at the same time, it can also pose serious safety risks. Major home renovation projects, like turning your shed into a home office, can be dangerous as you’ll use different kinds of equipment. You can complete bigger projects without compromising your safety when you use a cordless drill. Because this equipment works using lithium batteries, you won’t have to worry about suffering from accidents and injuries from tripping over the cables. The absence of these cables will also decrease your susceptibility to any electrical problems, as well. 3. Power You’ll have to work with different materials in order to complete projects. While some of these materials are easy to work with, some can be very challenging and will require very specific tools to get the job done, like working with concrete, which is a hard material that resembles the durability of stones. Cordless drills are very powerful tools that can help you work with concrete. This tool utilizes slight vibrations and a strong rotating action so you can easily drive bolts into concrete. With this feature, you can bolt down any type of furniture or screw into concrete without worrying about getting injured or spending hours just to complete a minor task. 4. Replaces Screwdrivers Although small, a screwdriver is one of the most essential tools every handyman should have. A screwdriver is a versatile tool because it allows you to install and remove different types of screws. However, because a screwdriver is a manual tool, using it for big projects can take up a lot of time and energy. You’ll have to manually turn its handle for the tool to serve its purpose. If you want to enjoy the features of a screwdriver minus the manual turning, you should definitely get a cordless drill. By using a screw tip, you can use a cordless drill to attach and assemble a screw into another material. You just have to flip the switch and let the cordless drill do all the work for you. With a cordless drill, you can install and remove more screws in less time and minimal effort! Know What To Buy A lot of people use cordless drills, which is why you can expect to find this tool in different makes and models today. For you to avoid making costly mistakes when buying a cordless drill, determine how you’re going to use the tool and how you want it to feel in your grip. The brand and any additional features are also important considerations. When you know what to look for in a cordless drill, you can easily narrow down your options and buy one that can meet your expectations.
With a rapid increase in the population, the construction business is seeing significant advancements. About one-fifth of the new companies are associated with construction, and this industry involves many significant entrepreneurial investments. The construction industry can ensure massive returns if the finances are managed well. In these lines, renting the primary construction instruments is also being chosen as a better option than capital investment. But to create an industrial success, you have to understand the market and avoid the following mistakes while hiring construction instruments for your company. Not demarcating your needs Before you pick out the instrument for your work, you should be completely clear about your requirements from that particular machine. If you need to compact the soil and gravel, you will opt for a wacker plate hire and not for any land mowing machine. This difference should be precisely conveyed in your requirements. Waiting till the last second to book your instrument Ideally, it’s advisable to opt for renting a piece of equipment immediately as you sense the necessity. The selection procedure can go on for a little while, and the availability of that particular instrument can also be checked at a rental company. This process gets more manageable if you have time in hand, for hasty business towards the end might have you in difficulty. Not understanding the cost/benefit of the machinery You have to be a critical analyst before choosing the right machine for your construction business. Make sure to follow the financial aspects clearly so that you know how much profit you will be churning out with the initial investment you make while renting the machine. If you do not understand the leverage, it may so happen that you end up paying more than you earn. This should be avoided by all means. Lack of clarity on the time duration When you are looking for construction equipment for your company, you must also know the time duration for which you will need the machine. You may need it for a few hours, but if you book it for an entire day out of anticipation, you will waste your money in the endeavor. Thus, a fair idea of the time duration can help you make a smart investment. If you are sure that you need the machine on a long-term basis, you can consider getting it on a lease, rather than rent. This will go slightly easier on your pocket. Avoiding the training portions No matter how well-versed you are with the construction business, there may be several machines that follow some of the latest technology that you are not equipped with. Instead of avoiding those machines, start getting trained in their operations as they may prove to be very beneficial for your specific requirements. You should also not reject using some tools owing to your incompetence in using them. If you wish to get done with work at a professional level, you can hire experts to run the equipment in your budget and learn from them, as they work. You have to be ardent to know better and perform better to make it big in this business.
Whether you’re shopping for motorcycle aftermarket mods, an OEM oil filter, or simply a rad new pair of gloves, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. When it comes to accessories for your side-by-side, it’s sometimes hard to separate the rider must-haves from the wanna-be window dressing. Here’s a guide to the essential ATV and UTV gear you need to keep riding safely and in style. A Helmet Your helmet is arguably the most crucial part of your kit. That said, it’s important to recognize that not all helmets are equal when it comes to protecting your head and neck from harm. First things first, be sure to pick a model that meets ECE and DOT safety standards, such as the SC1 Grit Helmet from MSR. Its sculpted, dual-density EPS liner is designed to handle impacts both big and small with ease while providing maximum comfort. Oversized intake ports and exhaust ports work together to keep you cool. This sleek, stylish helmet’s shell is constructed out of injection-molded ABS and comes in a variety of colors, too. A Jacket Getting dirty is often part of the deal when you head out on your UTV, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect yourself and what lies beneath. A sturdy, waterproof jacket is essential for comfortable riding. When it comes to the best UTV riding gear, the Thor Pack Jacket is a popular, mid-priced pick. Elastic cuffs keep mud and debris from creeping up your sleeves, and a drawstring waist means you can secure the perfect fit, no matter what you have layered underneath. The Pack Jacket’s multiple pockets provide ample storage for your essentials, while the jacket itself is easily stored in the included pouch for those days when there’s not a cloud in sight for miles. Riding Gloves Hopefully, it goes without saying that you need your hands to control your UTV. More specifically, though, you need to keep them cool and dry. A lightweight pair of gloves such as A.R.C.’s Battle Born Air Gloves offer a variety of features designed to keep your digits safe and supported, no matter how hot or how cold it gets. Stretchy nylon wrist panels, knuckle pads, and high-quality goat-skin leather combine to offer premium comfort. The polyester lining wicks away moisture from even the sweatiest palms, while Touch-Tech leather on the index fingerspermits easy operation of all your devices so you never have to choose between safety and sharing your adventures on social media. Boots The final components of your kit are your boots. You need a sturdy pair to protect your lower legs and feet when you’re off-roading. Fox Bomber Boots are an excellent mid-ankle option that won’t break the bank — or your ankles. They feature Fox’s famous bonded Duratac sole, an integrated steel shank, and an injection-molded plastic toe cap for maximum strength and support. Velcro closures, a flexible, ball-and-socket buckle, and a padded but bulge-resistant ankle design mean you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to stay safe. The best aftermarket and OEM ATV parts combine form and function. Choose safety over style and performance over polish when shopping for UTV accessories to ensure the longevity of your gear, your side-by-side, and your riding career.
Advances in AI-assisted 3D modelling have yielded numerous inexpensive scaffolding design software applications, which are changing scaffolding design methods in numerous ways. Scaffolding design software ranges from simple, free to use products to top of the range CAD applications. Most of them are generic 3D and 2D modelling platforms with added features to enable scaffolding design. Others are entirely dedicated to scaffold design and incorporate particular functions unique to scaffolding. Advantages Of Using Scaffold Design Software Many building contractors are turning to computer-aided design applications to draw up their scaffolding plans. Here’s why: Design applications are readily available and easy to use. Some of them don’t cost even a penny; several online platforms can instantly design a scaffolding plan for free given specific parameters. For contractors looking for a quick, simple solution, these applications come in handy. A majority of design applications feature a user-friendly interface and intuitive functions developed to prioritise ease of use. You don’t have to be a tech guru or a design expert to find your way around the programme’s features to create a working model. Disadvantages Of Using Scaffold Design Software Solely using CAD applications to design scaffolding has its downsides. Regardless of how dependable and precise the software is, you still need a human touch. For one, the design software can only handle so much intricate detailing and scale. It’s not designed to take over the entire project but rather guide the user on some of the key aspects and create a basic model for the design. Even the most advanced software is limited to a narrow range of simple designs that are often insufficient for challenging projects. This lack of flexibility and inability to scale leaves design software struggling in large projects. Hiring Professionals Outsourcing scaffolding design to experienced professionals saves you the trouble of having to deal with frustrating computer-generated designs that don’t fit your project. Design applications are great at solving predictable problems, but they cannot match up to the adaptive judgement and problem-solving skills of a design expert. A designer will give thought to your needs and develop a suitable plan that is fully compliant with health and safety regulations while still being practical and economical. From experience, the designer can also offer you guidance and suggestions to steer your project in a more productive direction. At Access Design & Safety. We have years of experience in designing and inspecting scaffolding for construction and other projects. We supplement our professional expertise with the latest CAD solutions to deliver modern designs that are fully compliant with the newest safety codes. Don’t get frustrated over flawed, non-insured, non-compliant DIY designs – get in touch with us for a stress-free scaffolding design specifically for you.
Makita’s first DAB Job Site Radio with Bluetooth, the Makita DMR112, is the latest addition to the audio range that will meet everyone’s taste in music and quality. With a dual power source by either AC adaptor or by Makita’s CXT or LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, that can be found in Makita’s cordless power tools range, this radio provides total convenience and cost efficiency. Receives DAB, DAB+, national and local radio stations Compatible with all Makita batteries Excellent, high quality audio sound The Makita DMR112 radio with Bluetooth is capable of receiving DAB, DAB+ and many national and local radio stations. DAB+ is the current standard across much of Europe with the main advantage of being three times more efficient, carries far more radio stations than DAB, and at a far higher audio quality. DAB+ is also a much greener technology because the overall transmission power required is far lower. This radio has a two-way speaker system of twin 89mm diameter speakers that provide high quality sound and a maximum output, when using an 18V LXT Li-Ion battery, of 4.9 watts from each. This rugged IP64 protection-rated dust and showerproof site radio has an elastomer bump-protecting casing, foldable antenna for added protection, an AC adaptor jack and digital amplifier and LCD display, which offers equal protection to the existing range from Makita. This new body only radio has a Band III frequency range of 87.5 – 108 Mhz and is equipped with Bluetooth Class 2 to wirelessly play music from a mobile phone, MP3 player or tablet with a range of up to 10 meters. A neat, flat top surface provides stability for mobile devices and features a USB output port that allows mobile devices to be charged from the radio. An AUX-IN jack allows connection to personal audio players This intelligent and rugged Job Site Radio with Bluetooth has a soft grip carry handle, that swivels to 90°, is compact and light weight at just 4.3 kg plus batteries. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
The quest to increase productivity is known by managers across all industries. However, the construction industry in particular has a well-documented history of mismanagement and inefficiency. In this article, the team at Hitchcock & King will take a look at ways inwhich this can be remedied, so you can get your team working at optimal efficiency! Workflow map Creating a map of the entire workflow is an excellent starting point for any project. However, it’s often overlooked simply because it can be rather time consuming. Without it, though, resources might not be allocated properly and time not managed correctly, leading to sluggish performance. Knowing who’s doing what at any given time is a good starting point for many managers wanting a more productive and efficient project. Keep an inventory On a construction site, when the flow of work is obstructed momentum can quickly go. For example, if workers are waiting for supplies to be brought in when they run out, the consequent delays can have a real impact on productivity, and getting things back up to speed can be difficult. To combat this, keeping an inventory of all the materials and equipment on site ensures that things can be replenished before they run out, keeping the momentum up. Regular breaks Breaks are important for any workforce as it give employees time to recharge. Construction is no different. In fact, if anything, breaks in the construction industry are even more important. This is largely because, as well as mentally sharp, manual workers need to be well rested in order to carry out their work efficiently. Competitive pay and benefits While money isn’t the only way to incentivise workers, it’s still one of the best. If you only offer low pay and no benefits, you shouldn’t be surprised if you find that your workforce are unhappy and unmotivated. With the right pay, benefits and bonus schemes in place, you will find that employees will be more than happy to keep their energy up all week long. What’s more, sometimes it’s not even about the money – a workforce want to feel valued, and in the construction industry this is no different. Training initiatives Not only does training improve a workforce, allowing them to develop new skill sets, it empowers them, too. That is, if you offer your staff more work and work which enables them to grow, develop and keep their mind focused, they will be much more likely to maintain a high level of productivity. On top of this, offering training initiatives demonstrates to your staff that your company is somewhere worth working for long term, making it much easier to keep their interest. Hitchcock & King are the premier supplier of timber and builders’ materials to construction companies throughout London and the surrounding areas. We have a number of branches throughout the capital stocking high quality tools, materials and more, all at competitive rates. We also offer same/next day delivery services for your complete convenience. Be sure to contact our friendly team today to find out more.
